The Chair invited Elaine Moreton, Section Leader, Licensing, and the Applicant (MK) into the Hearing. 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 MK was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence due to the information outlined in the report.

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

All parties were invited to question the Section Leader on the report. No questions were asked.

The Chair invited MK to make representations.

MK discussed the incident that led to his conviction. He stated that it happened a long time ago and he had never been in trouble with the police before.

All parties were invited to question MK on his submission.

In response to questions asked MK elaborated further on the incident and stated that no other complaints had ever been made about him. 

The Chair invited MK to make a final statement.

MK apologised for the incident and regretted his behaviour. He stated it happened a long time ago and had no other complaints had ever been made against him.

MK 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 MK 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 paragraph 5.1.9 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.