Agenda and draft minutes

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of meeting held on 17^th July 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on the 17^th July 2025 were signed by the Vice-Chair as a correct record.

There were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

Councillor Margaret Pattison declared an Other Interest in item 6 – Existing Dual Drivers Licence due to knowing the driver’s wife.

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item: 

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Councillors are reminded that, whilst the following items have been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee to decide whether or not to consider them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Councillors should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion, Councillors should also be mindful of the advice of Council officers. 

It was moved by Councillor Margaret Pattison, seconded by Councillor Martin Gawith and unanimously agreed:

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined, in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

Councillor Margaret Pattison left the meeting for the following item due to having declared an Other Interest.

Report of the Licensing Officer

The Committee received the report of the Senior Licensing Officer for the purpose of determining action on a dual driver’s licence (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire). Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No.24 in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Decision of the Committee:

The decision of the Committee is set out in Exempt Minute No 24.

Councillor Margaret Pattison returned to the meeting at this point.

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report which notified the Committee of an urgent decision taken by the Licensing Manager in consultation with the Chair of Licensing Committee in respect of a dual driver’s licence.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

The press and public were readmitted to the meeting at this point.

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Senior Licensing Officer presented a report for members to consider responses to a public consultation regarding the Council’s draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028.

It was reported that the draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028 was approved for consultation by the Licensing Committee at its June 2025 meeting. The Policy was appended to the report for members consideration.

The Committee was advised that a 6-week public consultation was carried out between Friday 13^th June and Friday 25^th July 2025. During that time the draft policy was made available to view on the Council website and at Morecambe and Lancaster Town Halls. The Policy document was also shared with all consultees via email.

It was reported that no (0) responses had been received during the consultation period.

It was noted that at the June meeting the Committee had requested that the Citizens Advice Bureau be added to the list of consultees but they were not included in the list provided within the report.

It was proposed by Councillor Margaret Pattison and seconded by Councillor Gerry Blaikie and unanimously agreed:

Resolved:

That the Committee recommend to the Council’s Cabinet that the draft Statement of Gambling Policy be approved.