Agenda item

The Public Protection Officer (Licensing) introduced the report to the Sub- Committee. He stated that they were being asked to determine whether an application for a combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s licence could be granted.

He explained that the applicant had a number of previous convictions and asked the Sub-Committee to read the contents of his Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and his written statement.

The applicant left the meeting room while the Members read the documents they had been given.

On his return the applicant was asked by the Chair to address them on why he felt that he should be granted a licence and he responded to questions from the Sub-Committee.

Councillor Toby Simon asked if he could inform them of his current relationship with alcohol.

The applicant replied that he had never been a big drinker and that it had not really been part of his agenda growing up. He added that he didn’t drink that much at all now, maybe once a month whilst at home with his girlfriend.

Councillor Onkar Saini asked if he had considered how he would deal with any difficult customers.

The applicant replied that he did not intend to do that much driving late at night and would not seek to aggravate any situation, should it occur. He added that if a customer refused to pay their fare, he would likely let them leave and then consider what action should be taken.

The Chair asked if he had given all the evidence that he wished to the Sub-Committee.

The applicant replied that he had.

Decision & Reasons

Members have had to consider an application for a combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s licence where convictions have been disclosed on the applicant’s Disclosure and Barring Service certificate. In doing so Members took account of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Human Rights Act 1998, case law and the Council Policy.

Members had read the applicant’s written statement and considered the contents of the Disclosure and Barring Service certificate.

The applicant addressed Members in oral representations when he indicated that he is a polite, trustworthy and hardworking person who likes to achieve. He explained that he had put 6 months into trying to obtain his taxi licence and that it is important to him.

The applicant indicated that the offending behaviour started when he was 20 years old, and he is 34 years old now. On questioning he informed Members that he drinks alcohol very little, and this is normally whilst at home. The applicant asked Members to give him the licence on the basis that he has proved for a sustained amount of time that he is a balanced and fitting person for such a licence both career wise and personally.

Members noted that the applicant had been conviction free for an amount of time that was acceptable in policy terms. They were satisfied based on the evidence before them that alcohol misuse is not an issue for the applicant and that the applicant had matured since the offending behaviour 9 or more years ago.

On balance, members find that the applicant is fit and proper to hold the combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

Authority is delegated to the Licensing Section to grant the licence subject to satisfactory completion of the licensing process.