Issue - meetings

The Licensing Committee received a report of the Director of Environment which updated Members on the activities of the Licensing Team since the last meeting, in October 2025.

The Council, acting in its role as Licensing Authority carries out a range of statutory functions including taxi and private hire licensing, alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshment, gambling, and street trading. The submitted report sets out the activities of the licensing team since April 2025 together with outlining the challenges and demands on the service.

The Licensing team continued to advise, issue, and ensure compliance with a range of premises licences issued under the Licensing Act 2003 and it was noted that there had been seven hearings since April 2025.

Officers continue to advise and respond to complaints about licensed premises and undertake inspections to ensure compliance with conditions.

In terms of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing, there had been 1,556 new applications received for dual driver licences since April 2025.

The Service continues to receive high levels of dual driver applications. The Service is currently reviewing resources available to meet the continued demands due to the increase in applications and licence holders. The Licensing Service reception remains open five days per week, offering face to face assistance to applicants across all licensing functions.

The rise in licensed drivers continues to lead to a rise in private hire vehicle applications. The Committee approved the requirement for mid-year tests to be carried out by any DVSA approved testing station, with first or annual tests being carried out at the Councils in-house testing depot, Moorhey Street.

Following the last meeting of the Licensing Committee, held on 21^st October 2025, the Licensing Service was continuing to work closely with the taxi testing depot at Moorhey Street.

A complaints system had been introduced mid-2025, allowing vehicle owners with testing relating queries or complaints to lodge these directly with the test station. Between 23^rd October 2025 and 11^th February 2026, a total of 10 complaints were lodged relating to testing matters.

Since April 2025 there have been 39 hearings before the Licensing Drivers Panel. As a result, nine drivers were granted licences, 13 were refused, four were suspended, eight had their licence revoked with immediate effect and five written warnings were issued.

Resolved:
that the report be noted.