Bolton Council documents show that a behind-closed-doors meeting at Bolton Town Hall considered a report setting out concerns about the applicant's suitability for a private hire driver's licence. The minutes show that the council’s licensing committee felt the man would not be a suitable person to hold a private hire licence because of his previous conviction. "Therefore, there is reasonable cause to refuse to grant the private hire drivers’ licence." Cllr Ryan Bailey, of Astley Bridge, moved that the man’s application for a private hire drivers’ licence be refused, which was seconded by Cllr Maureen Flitcroft, of Farnworth South. The committee voted unanimously that the application be refused.