The Licensing and Safety Committee of Bury Council was scheduled to discuss an operational report detailing licensing service activities and enforcement actions. The committee was also set to consider reports concerning the suspension or revocation of public and private hire driver licences.

Operational Report

A report was scheduled to be presented to the committee, providing an overview of operational matters within the Licensing Service. This report was intended to inform members about the compliance and enforcement activities undertaken by the service between the previous committee meeting in July and 28 August 2026.

The report detailed various enforcement actions related to licensed vehicles and drivers. These included instances of missing signage, ranking infringements, damaged vehicles, missed interim inspections, vehicle licence revocations, and licence cancellations or surrenders. Additionally, it covered issues such as DBS non-compliance, failure to return badges, driver conduct complaints, and fare overcharging complaints. The report also noted convictions declared by drivers and information requests received by the service.

Enforcement actions related to licensed premises were also outlined, including underage sales, incorrect summary displays, anti-social behaviour, business liquidation, and blue notice checks. The report also covered instances of unlicensed activity, violent incidents, multi-agency visits, illicit cigarettes, and miscellaneous Trading Standards matters.

The report also provided an update on Licensing Hearings Sub-Committees that had taken place. These included decisions on a premises licence review for Radcliffe Snooker Club, a new premises licence application for Central Café, a review of a premises licence for the Black Bull, a personal licence application following convictions, and a new premises licence application for Bill and Coo.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that the Licensing Service had immediately suspended six drivers due to them no longer being registered on the DBS update service.

Finally, the report advised members that Bury Council was supporting the Greater Manchester Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Support Fund. This regional initiative aims to improve air quality by assisting eligible private hire vehicle proprietors in replacing older, non-compliant vehicles with cleaner alternatives. The £2 million fund offers grants of up to £2,500 and is administered by the Growth Company. The fund is targeted at proprietors of diesel-powered private hire vehicles first registered before 1 September 2015 that do not meet required emissions standards. Communications had been issued to licensed private hire vehicle proprietors to raise awareness of the support available.

Suspension / Revocation of Public / Private Hire Driver Licences

The committee was scheduled to consider a report concerning the suspension or revocation of public and private hire driver licences. This item was listed as potentially involving the disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals who hold or are applying for licences.