| Item | Description | Background Information | Decision |
| | APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE | APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no apologies for absence. | |
| 21/01 | DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST | DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest. | |
| 21/02 | MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8 OCTOBER, 2021 | MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8 OCTOBER, 2021
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 October, 2020 were submitted for confirmation.
Minutes | RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 October, 2020 be confirmed as a correct record. |
| 21/03 | REVISED HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE POLICY | REVISED HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE POLICY
The Licensing Team Leader presented her report on the Revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy, seeking approval from the Committee to commence the consultation process.
Members were advised of the new recommendations regarding the Whistle Blowing Policy to safeguard employees and the recommendation for a Joint Enforcement Policy.
The Committee were assured that drivers who were not DBS checked, as they were not from the UK, were required to provide a certificate of good conduct and the Licensing Authority would determine whether they were fit and proper to hold a license. It was noted that Operators and Dispatch personnel were now also required to undertake a DBS check as they were privilege to personal information.
Members were also assured that the authority had been taking action, where evidence had been supplied, regarding smoking in vehicles.
The Committee were advised that all drivers were required to carry a full spare wheel and space savers were not acceptable for safety reasons.
Councillor Smart proposed and Councillor Walker seconded that the Licensing Committee note the proposed policy changes outlined within the report and approve the commencement of the consultation process.
The motion being put to the vote it was announced that the motion be carried by 11 votes for with 0 votes against and 0 abstentions.
Report of Licensing Team Leader
Appendix 1
Appendix 2 | RESOLVED - That the Licensing Committee note the proposed policy changes outlined within the report and approve the commencement of the consultation process. |
| 21/04 | LICENSING ACTIVITY REPORT | LICENSING ACTIVITY REPORT
The Licensing Team Leader presented an update report of key areas of work within the Licensing Team.
The Licensing Team had been working with the trade as various changes had been implemented regarding Covid restrictions. They had conducted regular evening and daytime visits throughout the district to ensure venues were compliant with the current restrictions.
The taxi and private hire trade had been particularly affected with the closure of the night time economy.
Betting shops continued to operate although Bingo establishments had been forced to close in the current restrictions. The Gambling commission were currently undertaking a review of the Gambling Act 2005 to ensure it was fit for the digital age.
There had been an increase in the number of complaints regarding unlicensed dog breeders. The Licensing Team had contacted all the businesses and offered advice and guidance on whether they needed to be licensed.
The Team had also seen an increase in the report of unlicensed scrap metal collectors. All businesses had been contacted and given advice on how to get licensed and what was a licensable activity.
Report of Licensing Team Leader | RESOLVED - That the report be noted. |