The Chair invited Elaine Moreton, Section Leader, Licensing, and the Applicant (GA) into the Hearing. GA was accompanied by his friend and representative, Mr Hussain. The Chair led round-table introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed.

The Section Leader, Licensing, outlined the report regarding an application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence, which had been circulated to all parties in advance of the meeting. The matter had been referred to the Sub-Committee by an authorised employee of the council for further consideration to be given as to whether GA was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence due to the information outlined in the report.

GA confirmed that the information contained within the report was accurate.

All parties were invited to question the Section Leader on the report. Elaine Moreton provided responses to questions asked.

The Chair invited GA to make representations.

Mr Hussain made representations on behalf of GA. He acknowledged the extensive list of convictions held by GA but stated they had happened a long time ago and GA had not committed any offences since. He explained that GA had been young and fallen into the wrong crowd but was now a changed person and family man.

All parties were invited to question Mr Hussain and GA on the submission.

In response to questions asked, Mr Hussain and GA stated that he had learnt from his mistakes and elaborated further on how he had changed.

Mr Hussain requested that the Sub-Committee received character references for GA. The Sub-Committee agreed to the request (copies filed with these minutes).

The Chair invited Mr Hussain and GA to make a final statement.

Mr Hussain stated that GA was a changed person and wanted to move forward with the life and support his family.

GA, Mr Hussain and the Section Leader left the room to allow the Sub-Committee to determine the matter.

The Chair invited all parties to return.

The Chair detailed the decision of the Sub-Committee.

Resolved:

That having considered all the evidence both written and oral, provided at the hearing, the Sub-Committee was not satisfied that GA was a fit and proper person and therefore, in accordance with Section 51 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence was not granted. This decision was made in accordance with paragraphs 5.1.3(b) and 5.1.13(b) of the guidelines relating to the relevance of convictions and breaches of licence conditions agreed by the Licence Committee on 20 March 2019.

The Solicitor detailed the applicant’s right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court against the decision of the Sub-Committee, within 21 days of receipt of the decision, and the potential costs of doing so.