Apologies were received from Councillor John Rainsbury who was unable to attend the first hearing.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

None.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By Virtue of Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it involved the discussion of information defined as exempt from publication under paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, “information relating to any individual” and in which the public interest in maintaining exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Panel received a report which advised members of a recent conviction relating to a criminal conviction of plying for hire in respect of a Private Hire Driver. Members were requested to consider what action to take as a result of the conviction. Members were also asked to consider an application for a new Hackney Carriage licence in light of the recent conviction.

The Chair referred those present to the circulated established procedure for hearings and the process that would be followed.

The Driver, who was present at the hearing explained to the Panel that he had made a mistake and had learnt his lesson following the sanction imposed on his licence and financial penalty received from Preston Magistrates Court.

With regards to the application for a new Hackney Carriage Licence, the Driver was advised of the policy and asked if he had any exceptional circumstances of which he could explain to the Committee as to why the application should be granted.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

1.    A warning is to be placed on the Driver’s Private Hire Licence.

2. That the application for a new Hackney Carriage Licence be refused.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

Councillor John Rainsbury arrived at the meeting and was present for the application hearing.

The Panel received a report informing them of a new application for a Hackney Carriage Drivers Licence and were advised that the application was brought before Committee due to the applicants convictions which had triggered the Licensing Policy.

The Chair referred those present to the circulated established procedure for hearings and the process that would be followed.

The Driver and his friend were also present at the meeting and both made representations.

The Panel also received representations from the Licensing Authority.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the application for a new Hackney Carriage Licence be refused.