Item 5 - Application for Taxi Licence - Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad
West Dunbartonshire Council · 4 June 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 4 June 2025 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 4 June 2025 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad, Flat 1/2 50 Vaila Street, Glasgow. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Alsaeed-Amhad submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 14 March 2025. 3.2 An email was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 21 March 2025 advising that there no adverse comments in connection with the application. 4. Main Issues 4.1 When an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence is submitted, the applicant is required to answer the question ‘Have you been resident outwith the UK for any period of at least 6 months?’. In response to this question Mr Alsaeed-Ahmad respond ‘No’. Further enquiries with Mr. Alsaeed- Ahmad resulted in him advising that he had been resident in the UK since 2012 having previously resided in Syria. 4.2 Where an applicant has resided in another country for more than 6 months we require a statement from the embassy of the country they have resided in to confirm that the applicant has no convictions for the period that they were resident there. 4.3 Enquiries have found that the Syrian Embassy in London has been out of service since 2012. Mr Alsaeed-Ahmad made contact with the Syrian Embassy in France and has been advised that the issuing of documents has been suspended since January 2025. 4.4 In the absence of any documentation from the Syrian Embassy there is no way of ensuring that Mr. Alsaeed-Ahmad has no convictions during his time residing Page 1
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in Syria other than his self declaration. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 15 May 2025 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738741 robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: Page 2
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1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad, Flat 1/2 50 Vaila Street, Glasgow. 2. Letter to Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad dated 16 May 2025. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 3