Issue - meetings

Officers provided an update on the activities of the Licensing team since April 2024 together with outlining the challenges and demands on the service.

In terms of Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment, there has been one hearing since April 2024 for Greene’s Bistro and Parlour, Wade Row, Uppermill. Application to vary licence refused.

For Taxi and Private Hire Licenses, there have been a total of circa. 1300 new applications received for dual driver licences since April 2024. The significant increase in licensed drivers has placed an additional burden on Officers so a recruitment exercise has taken place with two new staff joining the team recently and one position yet to fill.

The additional vehicles being licensed has also meant an increase in testing capacity is required. A third bay is due to open imminently.

 Officers are working towards the implementation of a new service database and front facing driver application and account system which improve efficiency and speed of processes.

Since April 2024 there have been 60 hearings before the Drivers Panel with 7 applications granted, 37 applications refused, 3 Licences suspended, 11 Licences revoked, and no further action carried out on 1 Licence. In addition, there have been 12 delegated revocation decisions made by Officers for urgent matters.

RESOLVED that the Licensing Update is noted by the Committee.