Changes to our Licensing services

Update from Glasgow Licensing Board 3 July 2020

We are currently receivisng a high number of complaints in relation to pubs, restaurants and bars across the city selling "take away" pints and other alcoholic drinks in plastic cups directly to members of the public using the off-sales facility on their premises licence.

While the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is silent in relation to the way in which alcohol is to be sold for off-sales,  experience to date has established that this type of sale is clearly inconsistent with the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and securing public safety in terms of the levels of street drinking and public urination which are being reported and observed as a direct consequence of such sales. The situation has now, sadly, become untenable and risks ruining the reputation of the vast majority of the city's responsible licensed trade.  

We have been very supportive of efforts to keep the licensed trade in the city viable during this very challenging period. However, with the lifting of restrictions which will see the opening of external areas on 6^th July and indoor areas shortly thereafter, as from Monday 6^th July  the sale of alcohol directly to members of the public for consumption off the premises will be considered to be inconsistent with the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and securing public safety unless it is sold as part of a home delivery or sold as a pre-packaged, properly sealed product such as a bottle of wine or cans of beer.

Any premises who continue with this practice will risk having any occasional licence for an external area being revoked and/or a premises licence review being submitted to the Licensing Board.

Advice and guidance for current licence holders and new applicants on changes to our Licensing service

This guidance is for current licence holders and anyone planning to apply for a new licence. It explains the changes we are making to our Licensing services to help minimise the disruption caused to licence holders by Covid-19.

Everyone has a role to play in limiting the spread of Covid-19. Licence holders, including taxi and private hire car drivers, are reminded to follow Government advice including advice on isolation if you have symptoms.

Please note that any issues in relation to the transmission of Covid-19 and the operation of taxis and private hire cars is a matter for the Scottish Government taking into account the medical and health advice available to them.

General Guidelines on Changes to the our Licensing service

Face to Face Appointments

We are not currently offering appointments at our Service Desk.

Committee and Board Meetings

Meetings of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee and the City of Glasgow Licensing Board have recommenced, taking place via Microsoft Teams.  If you are required to attend a  meeting you will be notified in writing.

Submitting Applications

The Licensing Section is currently operating a limited service.

The Licensing Service Desk remains closed however applications can now be lodged byemail to LicensingEnquiries@glasgow.gov.uk or by post to Licensing Section, Glasgow City Council, City Chambers, Glasgow, G2 1DU.

If you lodge an application by email the Licensing Section will contact you as soon as possible to arrange payment of the fee by BACS. If you send the application by post, please include payment by cheque or postal order. Please do not send cash by post.

Guidance for Existing Licence Holders including HMO Licence Holders

The Licensing Section is currently operating a limited service.

The Licensing Service Desk remains closed however renewal applications can now be lodged by email to LicensingEnquiries@glasgow.gov.uk or by post to Licensing Section, Glasgow City Council, City Chambers, Glasgow, G2 1DU

*If you lodge an application by email the Licensing Section will contact you as soon as possible to arrange payment of the fee by BACS. If you send the application by post, please include payment by cheque or postal order. Please do not send cash by post.

Important Information relating to renewal applications:
To enable the Licensing Section to assist business recovery and process applications, please do not lodge renewal applications until the month or extended month of expiry.

Please note you can now submit your Private Hire Car Driver or Taxi Driver renewal application online at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/26401/Application-Form-for-Grant-or-Renewal-of-Taxi-Drivers-or-Private-Hire-Car-Drivers-Licence

*Important Information relating to "renewal" of existing HMO applications:

Where a licence holder is intending to renew more than five (5) HMO applications at the same time ("bulk applications"), please email licensingenquiries@glasgow.gov.uk of this intention, with the email title "HMO Bulk Applications". A member of the licensing team will then be in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss your bulk applications prior to you lodging them. Please do not submit bulk applications until a member of the licensing team has responded to your email.

Guidance for Taxi and Private Hire Car/Driver Licence Holders

Certificate for the Introduction to the role of the professional Taxi and Private Hire Car Driver at SCQF Level 5

Following the meeting of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee on the 21 April 2021, the committee agreed to implement the Certificate in Introduction to the Role of the Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver at SCQF level 5 as a requirement for the renewal of a taxi driver's licence and private hire car driver's licence with effect from 1st January 2022.

Drivers will be notified 6 months in advance of the requirement to undertake this training prior to submitting their renewal application. 

Drivers who have started the training are encouraged to continue.   The training can be started at any time, there is no need to wait until your renewal is due.

Please note that any drivers who have an expiry date on or after the 1 January 2022, irrespective of when you lodge your application, must have completed the training for your application to be accepted

Topographical Test

The Topographical Test on 31 March 2020 has been postponed. Please do not attend the City Chambers on 31 March 2020 to sit this test. The Licensing section will contact you as soon as possible to re-arrange the Topographical Test.

Vehicle Inspections

The Inspection Centre will reopen from the 17 August 2020. However, due to the large volume of inspections to be carried out only annual, random and substitute vehicle inspections will take place initially. With new guidance, processes and health and safety measures taking effect, this is a new way of working for the team at the Inspection Centre.

You will receive a letter from the Licensing Authority informing you of the date and time of your inspection. Please do not attend the Inspection Centre without an appointment unless instructed to do so by a member of the Inspection or Enforcement Team.

• You should aim to arrive at the Inspection Centre in time for your appointment (no earlier than 10 minutes beforehand).
   
• Due to physical distancing measures and to keep everyone safe, the Inspection Centre will not be able to accommodate your appointment if you are late and you will need to reschedule. There can be no exceptions to this as the Inspection Centre is dealing with a very high number of inspections.

Please note that this could result in your vehicle being suspended until the inspection has taken place.

• Only one person should attend the Inspection Centre with the vehicle.
   
• If you or any member of your household have COVID 19 or are displaying symptoms of COVID 19 please do not attend. Also if you or anyone in your household is self-isolating please do not attend. Please notify licensingenquiries@glasgow.gov.uk immediately. The email subject heading should be 'Covid/Self Isolating - Inspection - Plate No.

The body of the email should detail:

• that you are unable to have the vehicle presented for inspection;
• the date symptoms began;
• the date and time of your inspection; and
• the Booking Office that you operate from. We will liaise with your Booking Office in this regard.

• Please ensure your vehicle is cleaned thoroughly before attending for an inspection.
   
• If you have been authorised by the Licensing Authority to have a protective screen in your vehicle, please ensure that it is removed from your vehicle before attending for an inspection.
   
• The cost of the inspection is £51.50, which includes the sanitising of the vehicle prior to and after the inspection. Please bring the correct amount in cash or a cheque made payable to Glasgow City Council.
   
• If your vehicles fails the inspection the cost of a retest is £34.00 which again includes the sanitising of the vehicle prior to and after the inspection.
   

Temporary Relaxation of Policy and Conditions

Private Hire Cars

The current policy regarding a private hire car being taken out of service and replaced when it becomes 7 years old has temporarily been suspended.

Taxi Vehicles

The 5 year age limit for all taxi applications for new and substitute vehicles was removed in August 2019, subject to the replacement vehicle being a newer vehicle than that currently licensed. This policy is temporarily relaxed for operators of taxis in severe financial hardship, subject to the following:-

• The currently licensed taxi must be less than 5 years old from the date of first registration
• Evidence must be provided to the licensing section that the currently licensed taxi is the subject of a current finance agreement along with correspondence confirming hardship before approval will be given to replace the vehicle. All evidence/correspondence on this matter must be emailed to Licensingenquiries@glasgow.gov.uk and headed 'Financial Hardship - Plate No xxxx'
• When approved, that taxi may be temporarily replaced with a vehicle which must be less than 10 years old from the date of first registration
• This temporary relaxation does not apply to currently licensed taxis which are more than 5 years old from the date of first registration - replacement vehicles for these taxis must be with a newer vehicle than that currently licensed
• This  temporary relaxation will not supercede the implementation of LEZ

Replacement for Electric Steps

Replacement electric steps for many taxis are no longer being manufactured (generally by AVS) resulting in difficulty sourcing replacements/parts for broken steps. Where electric steps are broken and a replacement electric step is not available, these may be replaced with mechanical retractable steps with an associated buzzer and warning light.

UPDATE: GUIDANCE FOR LICENSED TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE CARS- 22 JUNE 2020

Guidance has recently been produced for Taxi and Private Hire Car Licence Holders by the Environmental Health/Trading Standards Expert Officers' Group. This Guidance has recently been accepted by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland.

The Guidance covers the following matters:

• Stay at home guidance and physical (social) distancing between drivers and passengers both inside and outside the vehicle (e.g. assisting with bags or opening the boot for luggage/shopping etc.
• Use of partitions or screens
• Hand and respiratory hygiene for drivers and passengers in taxis and PHCs
• Use of face coverings by drivers and passengers in taxis and PHCs. Please note that this incorporates the Scottish Government's announcement made on 18 June 2020 that from 22 June 2020 face coverings will be mandatory in all taxi and private hire vehicles subject to the exemptions detailed.
• Wheelchair and passenger assistance
• Cleaning of vehicles

The Licensing Authority requires all Taxi and Private Hire Car Licence Holders to comply with the Guidance issued.

Please find below the full Guidance:

 Expert Group Guidance for Holders of Taxi and Private Hire Licences [445kb]

UPDATE: POSITION ON THE USE OF PROTECTIVE PARTITIONS/SCREENS IN LICENSED PRIVATE HIRE CARS - JULY 2021

If you hold a Private Hire Car Licence and wish to fit a protective screen into your licensed vehicle, the screen must comply with the following specification from the Guidance document:

• Must comply with the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations.
• Must not be permanently installed in the vehicle
• Must be fitted in such a way to not affect the structural integrity of the vehicle, or interfere with any manufacturer fitted safety equipment e.g. airbags
• Must not wrap around the driver seat and create a partition between the two front seats, in addition to the rear cabin area.
• The partition used MUST be clear and transparent and can ONLY be fitted across the rear of both front seats, creating a partition between the front and rear cabin area of the vehicle
• Any screen must be tested to the relevant EU standard for an original equipment type approval test covering interior fittings
• The screen must be approved by MIRA or other comparable independent product engineering, testing, consultancy and certification organisation.
• Screens should be constructed of PETg or polycarbonate
• The screen should not impede the driver's vision, movement, or communication with passengers
• The screen should not impede driver or passenger access or egress to the vehicle

Consideration should also be given to ensure that:

• Screens must be securely fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Insurers should be notified of any modifications made to the vehicle

Screens should also be cleaned regularly (see Cleaning of vehicles), including between passenger journeys and changes of driver with disinfectant.

If you hold a Private Hire Car Licence and wish to fit a protective screen into your licensed vehicle, before doing so you must:

Email LicensingEnquiries@glasgow.gov.uk with the title "Proposed Protective Screen - PHC (insert plate number)". Please state in your email that you propose to fit a protective screen in your licensed vehicle and the proposed screen complies with the specification set out in the Guidance for Taxi and Private Hire Car document displayed on the Council's website. Please also provide in your email a letter from your insurer confirming that the necessary insurance would be unaffected by the proposed installation of the protective screen in your licensed vehicle.

Please note that you may be asked to remove your protective screens from the licensed vehicle for an inspection of the vehicle carried out at the Council's Taxi and Private Hire Testing and Inspection Centre, if it has not been fitted in accordance with the guidance or compromises the inspection process.


Fixed Credit Card Machines in Taxis

The Licensing Authority has approved the fitting of fixed credit card machines in licensed taxis. The credit card machine must be fitted to the inside of the passenger compartment of the licensed taxi as shown in the picture below:

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

Guidance for Liquor Licence Holders

Update regarding Liquor Applications:

Update regarding Liquor Applications:

Licensing is currently operating a limited service.

The Licensing Service Desk remains closed however applications can now be lodged byemail to LicensingBoard@glasgow.gov.uk or by post to Licensing Board, Glasgow City Chambers, George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DU.

If you lodge an application by email Licensing will contact you as soon as possible to arrange payment of the fee by BACS. If you send the application by post, please include payment by cheque or postal order. Please do not send cash by post.

Food Takeaway and Delivery Services

Following the announcement by the UK Government regarding a relaxation of planning rules, the Licensing Board is supportive of licensed premises which wish to provide a food take away and food delivery service.

Where the premises sell food and are licensed for both on and off-sales of alcohol, the delivery of alcohol with food will also be permitted, subject to compliance with the appropriate provisions within the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Licensing Board's alcohol delivery conditions which can be found at Part 9.3 of the Licensing Board's Policy Statement.

Personal Licence Holder - Training

Update: Please note the updated position below regarding an automatic six month extension on the timescales to undertake your training and to submit your training certificate.

Personal Licence holders are required to undergo refresher training every five years and to provide a copy of their training certificate to the Licensing Board.

If you are unable to take a refresher training course as a result of:

• no courses running because of Covid-19;
• you or a family member have Covid-19 and you are self-isolating; or
• you are worried about attending a course because of Covid-19

Please be assured that your Personal Licence will remain in effect.

You will be given an automatic six month extension on the timescales to undertake your training and to submit your training certificate.

We will continue to review this position and may apply a further extension if necessary. The guidance will continue to be updated.

If you need to submit your training certificate, please use our Online Form.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

Guidance for Public Entertainment Licence Holders

Rescheduled Events

If you have already lodged a Public Entertainment Licence and wish to re-schedule your event to another date(s), please email Licensing Enquiries with the heading Public Entertainment Licence - (name of event).

If you do wish to have your event on another date you will not be charged by the Licensing Authority for the change of date. The Licensing Authority will require from you an updated Permission to Use for the new dates.

Further Guidance

We will continue to update this guidance as necessary. If you have an urgent specific query you can contact us by email. Due to the anticipated volume of enquiries please be aware that it may take some time to respond.