The Carmarthenshire County Council Licensing Committee met on Thursday, 9 July 2026, to appoint members to sub-committees and review the council's licensing policy. The committee also considered individual licensing applications.

Appointment of Licensing Sub-Committees and Chairs

The committee formally appointed members to Licensing Sub-Committees A and B for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Councillor Michelle Beer, Councillor Peter Cooper, Councillor Suzy Curry, Councillor Mansel Charles, Councillor Alex Evans, Councillor Tyssul Evans, and Councillor Ken Howell were appointed to Sub-Committee A. Councillor Michael Cranham, Councillor Hefin Jones, Councillor Jean Lewis, Councillor Kevin Madge, Councillor Dorian Phillips, Councillor Michael Thomas, and Councillor Elwyn Williams were appointed to Sub-Committee B.

Following this, Councillor Mansel Charles was appointed as Chair of Licensing Sub-Committee A, and Councillor Elwyn Williams was appointed as Chair of Licensing Sub-Committee B for the same period.

Licensing Policy Review and Cumulative Impact Assessments

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a review of the council's Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003, with a particular focus on Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs). Emyr Jones, the Licensing Lead, presented the report, explaining that the council is required to review its CIAs at least every three years to ensure their continued appropriateness.

The current review includes assessments for Station Road in Llanelli, Lammas Street in Carmarthen, and the additional CIA adopted in February 2024 for Nott Square, King Street, and Queen Street in Carmarthen. Mr Jones highlighted that there must be an evidential basis for adopting CIAs, and the evidence is published as part of the existing licensing policy.

The council is consulting widely with licensees, businesses, residents, and responsible authorities. An online survey has been created to facilitate feedback, with responses due by 11 August 2026. A report summarising the consultation results and a draft revised licensing policy will be presented to the committee on 10 November 2026.

Councillor Kevin Madge raised concerns that issues related to licensing problems might be moving from areas with CIAs into other parts of the county. The Licensing Lead assured the committee that the policy applies countywide and that officers are working with Dyfed Powys Police to monitor trends across the county, which will be included in the November report. The committee unanimously resolved to note the report.

Individual Licensing Applications

The committee then moved to consider individual licensing applications, resolving to exclude the public from these discussions due to the personal nature of the information involved.

• Mr Stephen Jack Shoulder: The committee considered an application for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Dual Driver's Licence. Mr Shoulder provided oral representations, and the committee interviewed him. The Senior Licensing Officer recommended granting the application with a warning as to future conduct. The committee unanimously resolved to grant the licence with a warning.

• Mr Ryan Dean Cannings: The committee reviewed issues that had arisen concerning Mr Cannings' existing Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Dual Driver's Licence. After hearing representations from Mr Cannings and conducting an interview, the Senior Licensing Officer recommended a 14-day suspension of his licence. Following legal advice, the committee unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Cannings' licence for 14 days, citing a failure to adhere to expected standards for a licensed taxi driver.

• Mr Anthony John Wathan: The committee considered issues relating to Mr Wathan's Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Dual Driver's Licence. Following his representations and an interview, the Senior Licensing Officer recommended issuing a warning as to his future conduct. The committee unanimously resolved to issue Mr Wathan with a warning.