Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the Overview of the Licensing Service – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
RESOLVED That the Gambling Act 2005 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be noted.
RESOLVED That the overview of the Licensing Act 2003 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
RESOLVED That the overview of the Taxi and Private Hire – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
RESOLVED That the overview of the Pollution Control – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
The following declarations of interest were made: Item 3: Minutes of Previous Meeting Councillor Mark Carter declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Minutes by virtue of having absented himself from the previous meeting by virtue of being a Director of a company that run a mobile home site and by owning a residential mobile home site; and abstained from voting. Item 5: Gambling Act 2005 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 Councillor Aaron Carey declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of being employed within the Gambling Sector. Item 4: Overview of Licensing Service – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 Item 6: Licensing Act 2003 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 Councillor Nick Neumann declared personal interests in the above items by virtue of owning a mobile home site and his partner being the holder of a premises and alcohol licence.
Moved by Councillor Vanessa Thomas; Seconded by Councillor Nick Neumann The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried with one abstention. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2025 be approved as a correct record, in both English and Welsh.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Overview of the Licensing Service – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
[Councillor Nick Neumann reiterated his declaration of a personal interest in this item of business by virtue of owning a licensed camp site and partner having a premises and alcohol licence.] The Chair welcomed the Lead Licensing Officer to the meeting to present the Overview of Licensing Service Annual Report to 31 December 2024 to the Committee. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows. In response to Councillor Viv Stoddart’s query regarding the Special Procedures (Wales) Regulations 2024, the Lead Licensing Officer explained that the regulations included Practitioners, Premises and Temporary permissions with an All Wales fee level introduced. She highlighted that some businesses had left the profession following the introduction of the new scheme. Councillor Stoddart raised concerns that some service providers had now left the profession and the Lead Licensing Officer advised that they would be able to provide updates following the annual review. In response to a question from Councillor Tim Evans regarding the number of applications received, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that there was a cut off date for applications of the end of August 2025 and that approximately 120 applications were anticipated. The team were collaborating with the Health and Safety Team to undertake necessary checks and visits. In response to a further question from Councillor Evans regarding those that do not apply, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that they would be looking to get all service providers on board and would allow a short period of time for compliance. In response to a further question from Councillor Evans, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that Practitioners were provided with a badge to identify their qualification and that a paper licence and report is provided for the premises to show what services they were licensed to provide. In response to a question from the Chair regarding fees, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that they were in discussions with the Local Government Association (LGA) for an increase in fees as this was controlled by Central Government. The Head of Housing and Public Protection concurred that there were additional challenges as this was not led by Welsh Government and it was being raised by Licensing Managers across Wales to feed into the LGA. The Committee noted that they would be happy to support the Licensing Team where possible. The Chair thanked the Lead Licensing Officer for the report. Moved by Councillor Tim Evans; Second Mark Carter. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Overview of the Licensing Service – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Gambling Act 2005 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be noted.
The Chair invited the Lead Licensing Officer to present her Gambling Act 2005 Annual Report to 31 December 2024 to the Committee. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows. In response to a question from Councillor Tim Evans regarding online gambling advertisements, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that this was outside of their remit and that they held no influence and did not regulate online promotions. She noted that if the opportunity arose to comment, she would advise the Committee accordingly. In response to a question from Councillor Mark Carter regarding village events including bingo, tombola’s, raffles etc., the Lead Licensing Officer advised that there were a number of exemptions and advised Members to visit the Gambling Commission website for information. In response to a question from Councillor Bethan Price regarding a raffle in a Town Hall at an event held over three days, the Licensing Inspector advised that there cannot be any personal gain, and all monies raised would need to be for a good cause. He advised that a licence would not be required but good practice would suggest that the raffle be drawn during the event. He further advised that if a Member has any queries, to get in touch with the Licensing Team. Councillor Aaron Carey advised that he had dealt with the Licensing Inspector and the Licensing Team on a number of occasions and emphasised that they had been very professional and helpful. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Carter regarding raffles for high prize items on Social Media, the Lead Licensing Officer explained that when such raffles were brought to the attention of the Licensing Team, they were immediately referred to the Gambling Commission. In response to a question from Councillor Tim Evans regarding ‘bonus ball’ raffles, the Licensing Inspector advised that they do not need to be registered; however, they need to ensure that all money raised goes to either a charity or a prize as there must be no personal gain. The Chair thanked the Lead Licensing Officer for the report. Moved by Councillor Tim Evans; Seconded by Councillor Alun Wills. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Gambling Act 2005 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the overview of the Licensing Act 2003 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
The Chair invited the Lead Licensing Officer to present the Licensing Act 2003 Annual Report to 31 December 2024 to the Committee with the key points highlighted as follows: The Lead Licensing Officer highlighted that premises licences were not subject to renewal and that they pay an annual fee and that there were approximately 1000 premises licences in the Authority. The Lead Licensing Officer further highlighted the incidences of ‘spiking’ that had occurred noting this was an emerging threat with concerns around testing and training for members of the nighttime economy. She advised of a three hour intensive training package that had been well attended by night club staff throughout the County with a number of further training events available. Shefurther highlighted that the Licensing Team continued to work in partnership with all responsible Authorities including weekly briefings with the Dyfed Powys Licensing Officer. The Chair emphasised the excellent collaborative working that was being undertaken. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows. In response to a question from Councillor Nick Neumann regarding the percentage of Licensing refusals, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that premises licences can only be refused by a Licensing Sub Committee and Temporary Entertainment Notices were usually only refused if the application was submitted too late or if the applicant had exceeded their allowance. The Lead Licensing Officer advised that very few were rejected due to the level of engagement undertaken with the Licensing Team and that none had been refused in the last year. In response to a further question from Councillor Neumann regarding complaints about the service, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that there had been no complaints received against the Licensing Team as the service that was delivered was of a very high standard and that only licensed premises complaints were received. In response to a comment from Councillor Neumann regarding inspections of licensed premises, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that inspections were undertaken at various times. If discussions were necessary, they were by appointment; however, reactive visits were undertaken outside of office hours. In response to a question from Councillor Tim Evans regarding the number of inspections undertaken, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that low risk establishments such as Bed and Breakfasts or Community Halls would usually be by telephone contact to check for any changes to the licence. Some establishments were online sales only. Public Houses and shops were visited in person either yearly, or every 2-3 years dependant on the size and compliance history. In response to a further concern raised by Councillor Evans regarding the Public Spaces Protection Order that had been put in place, the Head of Housing and Public Protection explained that this was now within the remit of the Community Safety Partnership and committed to liaise with the Lead Officer to provide an update. Councillor Evans highlighted that the problem does not seem to be at the previous scale. Moved by Councillor Mark Carter; Seconded by Councillor Alun Wills. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the overview of the Licensing Act 2003 – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the overview of the Taxi and Private Hire – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
The Chair invited the Lead Licensing Officer to present the Taxi and Private Hire Report to 31 December 2024 to the Committee with the key points highlighted as follows: There were approximately 350 driver licences in the Authority with Hackney carriage being predominant although there was a slight trend towards private hire. Hackney Carriage vehicle licences were issued yearly and were subject to a number of tests. The Authority did not currently have an age limit to vehicles; however, vehicles over eight years of age were tested every four months. The Lead Licensing Officer highlighted that 44% of vehicles were over eight years of age and were predominantly diesel with a small number of electric, hybrid or wheelchair accessible vehicles, mainly due to the cost. She advised that enforcement to ensure compliance and activity was with the DVSA and Dyfed Powys Police with six inspections being undertaken in the last year. During August a night time operation was undertaken with one immediate prohibition notice issued on the night with additional operations to take place. The Lead Licensing Officer advised Members that Welsh Government was committed to the development of a new taxi bill for Wales and advised that she was part of the working group. This reform would not be within this Senedd administration but would provide consistency across Wales following the 2026 elections. The Chair thanked the Lead Licensing Officer for the report and Members then debated the contents of the report. Councillor Mark Carter highlighted concerns that 2/3 of vehicles within the Authority were over ten years of age and highlighted the lack of investment. He further noted that minibuses for school contracts had an age restriction. In response to a question from Councillor Carter regarding the diligence of the vehicle owners, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that a checklist had been developed to ensure all areas of the vehicle were checked prior to use and that this would be provided in a document pack to the taxi drivers. The Lead Licensing Officer agreed that, whilst making the checklist mandatory would require a change in policy, drivers would be encouraged to complete the checks on a voluntary basis and have the check list available for inspection at all times. In response to a question from Councillor Tim Evans regarding the Electric Vehicles that had been available for temporary loan to taxi drivers, the Lead Licensing Officer noted that the uptake had been very low as it was felt that they were impractical; however, that availability had now ended. In response to a further question from Councillor Evans regarding out of area applications, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that due to the knowledge test, they were no longer receiving applications outside of Pembrokeshire. In response to a concern raised by the Chair regarding the low percentage of wheelchair accessible vehicles, just 8%, the Lead Licensing Officer advised that this was a concern within the Authority but advised that there was no incentive to invest at present. Moved by Councillor Alun Wills; Seconded by Councillor Tim Evans. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the overview of the Taxi and Private Hire – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the overview of the Pollution Control – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
The Chair invited the Lead Licensing Officer to present the Pollution Contral licensing Annual Report 2024 to the Committee. The Head of Housing and Public Protection thanked the Lead Licensing Officer and the Licensing Team for the work they undertake and the high level reports that had been provided demonstrating the proactive and collaborative work that was being undertaken. The Chair emphasised that the clarity and work on prevention that was in place was very encouraging. There were no questions raised by the Committee and the Chair thanked the Lead Licensing Officer and the Team for the report. Moved by Councillor Tim Evans; Seconded by Councillor Nick Neumann. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the overview of the Pollution Control – Annual Report to 31 December 2024 be approved.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.