Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Mr A

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

That the applicant is a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney vehicle/private hire driver's licence from Gwynedd Council.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. He explained that the decision would be made in accordance with Cyngor Gwynedd's licensing policy. It was noted that the purpose of the policy was to set guidelines for the criteria when considering the applicant's application, with the aim of protecting the public by ensuring that:

• The person is a fit and proper person

• The person does not pose a threat to the public

• The public are safeguarded from dishonest persons

• Children and young people are protected

• The safeguarding of vulnerable persons

• The public have confidence in using licensed vehicles.

The Licensing Officer presented a written report on an application received from Mr A for a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence. The Sub-committee was requested to consider the application according to the DBS record, the guidelines on criminal offences and relevant convictions. The Licensing Authority had recommended that the Sub-committee should refuse the application.

The applicant was invited to expand on the application and provide information about the background of the convictions on his licence and his personal circumstances. 

RESOLVED that the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney/private hire vehicle driver's licence from Cyngor Gwynedd.

In reaching their decision, the Sub-committee had considered the following:

·      The requirements of 'Cyngor Gwynedd's Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles'

·      The applicant's application form

·      The Licensing Department's report along with the DBS statement

·      The applicant's verbal representations

Specific consideration was given to the following matters:

Background

In November 2011, the applicant had received 3 convictions: 

·         using a car without insurance contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988 S.143 (2)). He received a fine of £120 and an endorsement on his licence.

·         driving a car with excess alcohol contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988 S.5 (1) (A) He received a fine of £120, costs of £85 and was disqualified from driving for 18 months

·         driving a car otherwise than in accordance with the licence - that cannot be certified contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988 S.87(1). He received a fine of £40, an endorsement on his licence and additional costs of £15.

In October 2013 the applicant received a conviction for shoplifting contrary to the Theft Act 1968 S. 1 and failure to surrender to custody on the time noted, contrary to the Bail Act 1976 S.6 (1). He was fined £50 with costs of £100 and additional costs of £20.

In June 2014, he received 3 convictions for;

·         resisting or obstructing a Constable, contrary to the Police Act 1996 S.89 (2).   He received a fine of £90

·         using a vehicle without insurance, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988 S.143 (2). He was fined £110, costs of £85, and disqualified from driving for 12 months and additional costs of £20.

·         driving otherwise than in accordance with the licence, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988 S.87(1). He received a fine of £50 and an endorsement on his licence.

RELEVANT  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5