PUBLIC Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 6 August 2025
West Dunbartonshire Council · 6 August 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 6 August 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Agenda Meeting of the Licensing Committee Date: Wednesday, 6 August 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 14:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Venue: Council Chambers, Clydebank Town Hall, Clydebank G81 2NT ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Lynn Straker, Committee Officer Email: lynn.straker@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member Please attend a Meeting of the Licensing Committee as detailed above. The business is shown on the attached agenda. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive Page 1
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Distribution: Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal (Vice Chair) Councillor Fiona Hennebry Councillor John Millar Councillor Lawrence O’Neill (Chair) Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Hazel Sorrell All other Councillors for information. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date Issued: 22 July 2025 Page 2
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MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, 6 AUGUST 2025 AGENDA 1 APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the undernoted items of business on this agenda and, if so, state the reasons for such declarations. 3 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 5 - 12 Submit for approval, as correct records, the Minutes of meetings of Licensing Committee held on:- (a) 4 June 2025 (Regular); and (b) 19 June 2025 (Special) 4 OPEN FORUM The Committee is asked to note that no open forum questions have been submitted by members of the public. 5 APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE 13 - 14 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Ian Thomson. 6 APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE 15 - 17 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr James McCallum. Page 3
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LICENSING COMMITTEE At a Meeting of the Licensing Committee held in the Civic Space, 16, Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 at 2.02 p.m. Present: Councillors Ian Dickson, Gurpreet Singh Johal, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Chris Pollock and Gordon Scanlan. Attending: Michael McDougall, Manager of Legal Services; Robert Mackie, Senior Licensing Officer and Lynn Straker, Committee Officer. Also Attending: Sergeant David Holmes, Police Scotland; Ms Eilidh Paton, Principal Environmental Health Officer; Mr Sharef Alsaeed- Ahmad; Mr Waleed Totakhyl; Mr Brian McMahon; Mr Kyle Proctor; Mr Henry Glasgow; Mr Kenneth McSheaffrey; Mr Chris McAteer; Mr Charles Murray and Mr Gerrard McAllister. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Fiona Hennebry and Hazel Sorrell. Councillor Lawrence O’Neill in Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of Meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16 April 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record. OPEN FORUM The Committee noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. Item 3a Page 5
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APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRECAR DRIVER’S LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Sharef Alsaeed-Ahmad. Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services in details of the application and then from the Applicant in support of grant of the application. After discussion and having heard the Applicant in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to grant the Licence application with the standard conditions. DECIDED:- Committee agreed to grant the Licence application with the standard conditions. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE (Continued) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for the grant of a Late Hours Catering Licence at 468 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 4DN submitted by Rolling Smoke Clyde Limited. Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services in detail of the report and then from Eilidh Paton, Principal Environmental Health Officer in detail of their objection to the application. Members then heard from Mr Waleed Totakhyl, Applicant and Mr Brian McMahon, Mr Totakhyl’s representative, in support of the Application. After discussion and having heard the Principal Environmental Health Officer and Representative to the Application in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to grant the application with the condition that the duration of the licence will be for one year. The Committee noted Mr McMahon’s undertaking on behalf of the Applicant that the Applicant will work with the Council’s Environmental Health service to resolve any difficulties relating to noise issues. DECIDED:- Committee agreed to grant the Licence application for a restricted duration of one year with the standard conditions. APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF A WINDOW CLEANER’S LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for renewal of a Window Cleaner’s Licence submitted by Mr Kyle Proctor. Page 6
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Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services in detail of the report and then from Sergeant David Holmes, Police Scotland in detail of the representation from Police Scotland. The Committee then heard from the Applicant in support of their application. After discussion and having heard the Applicant in further explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to grant the Licence application with the standard conditions. DECIDED:- Committee agreed to grant the Licence application with the standard conditions. CIVIC GOVERNMENT SCOTLAND ACT REVIEW OF TAXI FARES AND CHARGES CLYDEBANK TAXI LICENSING ZONE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider a review of the fares and charges applicable to taxis operating within the Clydebank Taxi Licensing Zone. Members first heard from the Manager of Legal Services, detailing the report and proposals. Members then heard from Mr Henry Glasgow (Clydebank and District Taxi Owners Association Radio Systems Ltd.) and Mr Kenneth McSheaffrey (Clydebank Taxi Operators Group) in support of their respective proposals. ADJOURNMENT The Chair adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 4.15 p.m. with all Members listed in the sederunt present. After discussion and having heard the representatives in further proposals and in answer to Members’ questions, the Committee agreed to the following proposal: • increase the flagfall on Tariff One by 50p; • increase the flagfall on Tariff Two by 50p; • increase the flagfall on Tariff Three by 50p; • increase the running mile by 10p on Tariff One; • increase the running mile by 20p on Tariff Two; • increase the running mile by 50p on Tariff Three; • increase the period for waiting time from 10p for each 30 seconds (£12.00 per hour) to 10p for each 15 seconds (£24.00 per hour); Page 7
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• change the period of time when Tariff 3 is applicable from Noon on 24 December to Midnight on 26 December and Noon on 31 December to Midnight on 2 January to 6.00 a.m. on 24 December until 6.00 a.m. on 27 December and 6.00 a.m. on 31 December until 6.00 a.m. on 3 January; • During the period when Tariff 3 is applicable, change the period of time when a 50p extra charge will be applied from 9.00p.m until 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. until 6.00 a.m. • increase the amount where extra charges will apply for a taxi called by telephone or via App and not cancelled before arrival from £3.30 to £5.00. DECIDED:- The Committee agreed to the proposal submitted jointly by Mr Henry Glasgow (Clydebank and District Taxi Owners Association Radio Systems Ltd.) and Mr Kenneth McSheaffrey (Clydebank Taxi Operators Group). The meeting closed at 4.28 p.m. Page 8
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LICENSING COMMITTEE At a Special Meeting of the Licensing Committee held in the Civic Space, 16, Church Street, Dumbarton on Thursday, 19 June 2025 at 2.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Ian Dickson, Gurpreet Singh Johal, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill and Gordon Scanlan. Attending: Michael McDougall, Manager of Legal Services; Robert Mackie, Senior Licensing Officer; Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer and Lynn Straker, Committee Officer. Also Attending: Sergeant David Holmes, Police Scotland; Mr Allan Wright, Taxi Partnership Licence Holder and Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Fiona Hennebry, Chris Pollock and Hazel Sorrell. Councillor Lawrence O’Neill in Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. HEARING REGARDING A COMPLAINT RELATING TO A TAXI PARTNERSHIP LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting Members to consider the complaint relating to Taxi Partnership Licence Plate No. 59 held by Mr Allan Wright, 83 Clairinsh, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8SE and Mr. John McEwan, 17 Helenslee Court, Dumbarton G82 4HT. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised. Members then heard from Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor, in response to the terms of the complaint. . After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee Item 3b Page 9
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agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. DECIDED: After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. HEARING REGARDING A COMPLAINT RELATING TO A TAXI PARTNERSHIP LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting Members to consider the complaint relating to Taxi Partnership Licence Plate No. 136 held by Mr Allan Wright, 83 Clairinsh, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8SE and Mr. John McEwan, 17 Helenslee Court, Dumbarton G82 4HT. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised. Members then heard from Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor, in response to the terms of the complaint. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. DECIDED: After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. HEARING REGARDING A COMPLAINT RELATING TO A TAXI PARTNERSHIP LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting Members to consider the complaint relating to Taxi Partnership Licence Plate No. 161 held by Mr Allan Wright, 83 Clairinsh, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8SE and Mr. John McEwan, 17 Helenslee Court, Dumbarton G82 4HT. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised. Members then heard from Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor, in response to the terms Page 10
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of the complaint. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. DECIDED: After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. HEARING REGARDING A COMPLAINT RELATING TO A TAXI PARTNERSHIP LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting Members to consider the complaint relating to Taxi Partnership Licence Plate No. 172 held by Mr Allan Wright, 83 Clairinsh, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8SE and Mrs Linda Wright, 83 Clairinsh, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8SE. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised. Members then heard from Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor, in response to the terms of the complaint. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. DECIDED: After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. HEARING REGARDING A COMPLAINT RELATING TO A TAXI BOOKING OFFICE LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting Members to consider the complaint relating to Taxi Booking Office Licence Wright Taxi Co. (Scotland) Ltd. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised and the sworn Affidavit from the Licence holder, Mr Page 11
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Wright in explanation of the incident. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised. Members then heard from Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor, in response to the terms of the complaint. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. DECIDED: After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. HEARING REGARDING A COMPLAINT RELATING TO A TAXI PARTNERSHIP LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting Members to consider the complaint relating to Taxi Booking Office Licence Wright Taxi Co. (Scotland) Ltd. Members first heard from Mr Lawrence Knighton, Civic Licensing Standards Officer in detail of the complaint raised. Members then heard from Mr Stephen McGowan, Solicitor, in response to the terms of the complaint. After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. DECIDED: After discussion and having heard the Solicitor and Licence holder in further detail of the complaint and in answer to Members’ questions, Members of the Committee agreed not to suspend or revoke the licence and to issue a warning as to future conduct. The meeting closed at 2.51 p.m. Page 12
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 6 August 2025 Subject: Application for renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Ian Thomson, 27 Jura Drive, Old Kilpatrick G60 5EH. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Thomson submitted an application for the renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 30 May 2025. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 16 June 2025 submitting a representation in connection with the application. 3.3 Mr. Thomson’s current Taxi Driver’s/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence has an expiry date of 4 May 2025. 3.4 Mr. Thomson has held his current Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence for approximately 7 years. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland has been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 6 August 2025. 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 Item 5 Page 13
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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 9 July 2025 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Ian Thomson, 27 Jura Drive, Old Kilpatrick G60 5EH. 2. Letter dated 16 June 2025 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr Thomson dated 21 July 2025. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 14
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 6 August 2025 Subject: Application for renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr. James McCallum, 12 Long Crags, Bellsmyre, Dumbarton G82 3DL. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr. McCallum submitted an application for renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 27 May 2025. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 30 May. 2025 submitting a representation in connection with the application. 3.3 Mr. McCallum’s current Taxi Driver’s/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence has an expiry date of 31 May 2025. 3.4 Mr. McCallum has held his current Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence for approximately 20 years. 4. Main Issues 4.1 Mr. McCallum previously appeared before the Committee on 11 December 2024 and having considered a police objection, Members agreed to grant the Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence for a period of one year to Mr McCallum. 4.2 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland has been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 6 August 2025. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications Item 6 Page 15
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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 9 July 2025 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for renewal of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr. James McCallum, 12 Long Crags, Bellsmyre, Dumbarton G82 3DL. 2. Letter dated 30 May 2025 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr. McCallum dated 21 July 2025. Page 16
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Wards Affected: N/A. Page 17