Issue - meetings

The Chair invited Elaine Moreton, Section Leader, Licensing, and the Applicant (SS) into the Hearing. The Chair led round-table introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed.

The Section Leader 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 SS was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence due to the information outlined in the report.

SS 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 SS to make his submission.

SS explained that at the time of the offence he had been young and ill advised. He stated that he regretted his actions and was now a changed person and family man.

All parties were invited to question SS on his submission.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee and Section Leader, SS discussed the situations that lead to his convictions and outlined the reasons for his application.

The Chair invited SS to make a final statement. SS did so.

SS 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 SS 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 5.1.14 of the guidelines relating to relevance of convictions and breaches of licence conditions agreed by the Non-Statutory 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.