The Wyre Borough Council Licensing Committee convened on 16 September 2025, to address licensing matters within the borough. Key decisions included the consideration of a new application for a Wyre dual driver's licence, and the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Some discussion was held regarding the exclusion of the public and press for certain items, citing the need to protect exempt information.

New Application for a Wyre Dual Driver's Licence

The committee reviewed a new application for a Wyre dual driver's licence. The report was submitted by the Director of Environment. Due to the inclusion of exempt information, specifically information relating to any individual as defined in the Local Government Act 1972¹, the public and press were excluded from the discussion. The outcome of this application is not detailed in the provided documents.

Review of Premises Licence for Best (Kebab and Pizza House)

During the 15 July 2025 meeting, the committee reviewed the premises licence PL(NA)0076 for Best (Kebab and Pizza House), located at 4 Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7AA. The review was initiated under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003², focusing on the 'prevention of crime and disorder' licensing objective.

The meeting, chaired by Councillor Kenneth Minto, Vice Chair, due to the absence of Councillor Colette Birch, involved presentations from the applicant, representatives from Lancashire Constabulary and Mandy Seddon, Wyre Council's Service Manager (Commercial Safety and Licensing). The premises licence holder and their solicitor were also present.

Following a detailed discussion, during which Councillor Callum Baxter and Councillor David Swift asked questions, the committee agreed to consider potential conditions suggested by the premises licence holder's solicitor. The meeting was temporarily adjourned to allow the committee to review the submitted information.

Ultimately, the Licensing Committee decided to revoke the premises licence. The decision was based on the statutory guidance, which reinforces the serious nature of such an offence and states that it is expected that revocation of the licence should be seriously considered if such a review is brought before members in the first instance.

Application to Licence a Hackney Carriage Vehicle

During the 28 July 2025 meeting, the committee considered an application to re-license a Hackney Carriage Vehicle. Councillor Birch chaired the meeting. Patrick Cantley, Senior Licensing Officer, presented the report, explaining that the application concerned a vehicle whose previous licence had been revoked on 11 December 2024, due to concerns about public safety.

The Senior Licensing Officer highlighted the vehicle's MOT testing history, noting that it had travelled at least 220,205 miles and had failed 3 out of 7 MOT tests since April 2023.

The proprietor stated that he had invested around £1,000 in repairs to the vehicle. He also spoke about the impact of companies like Uber on his income and his difficulties in purchasing a new car.

Following a suspension of the meeting to allow for an inspection of the vehicle, the committee ultimately decided not to re-license the vehicle. The committee stated that:

The Licensing Committee were satisfied that this vehicle was still not being maintained to the standard necessary to ensure public safety. Despite concerns being expressed previously, it did not appear that lessons were being learnt and the Committee had no confidence that moving forward that changes would be made.

The decision was based on the Council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes from the Licensing Committee meeting held on 15 July 2025, were approved as an accurate record. The agenda for the 16 September 2025 meeting also included the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting held on 28 July 2025 for approval.