Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Mr A

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

DECISION

That the applicant was not 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 highlighted 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

• Vulnerable persons are protected

• The public have confidence in using licensed vehicles.

The Licensing Manager submitted the written report on the application received from Mr A to renew a hackney/private hire driver’s licence. The Sub-committee was requested to consider the application relating to the individual's suitability to be a driver of a hackney/private hire vehicle.

The Licensing Authority recommended that the Sub-committee should refuse the application because the applicant's conduct in a recent incident did not meet the standard expected of a taxi driver.

A CCTV video was shown which evidenced the incident along with a history of reoffending in relation to the 2010, 2018 and 2024 public order convictions.

In response to a question regarding a licence renewal application, it was noted that a hackney / private hire vehicle driver's licence was current for three years – this was the standard period. It was highlighted that the applicant's licence had expired in December 2024 and he did not disclose the allegations against him on his application form – all applicants had a duty to report any allegations against them to the Licensing Authority. It was reiterated, occasionally, that the Police informed the Licensing Authority but this time it was a member of the public who had complained to the Police before bringing an official case against the applicant. After the applicant had been before the Court, he submitted the information along with a signed statement while awaiting a DBS.

The applicant was invited to expand on the application and provide information about the background of the incident and his personal circumstances.  He noted that he had not fully completed his application form as he was awaiting the verdict of the charge against him. In the context of the December 2024 incident, he confessed that he had responded to the victim's threat, but the victim had threatened him first. He also revealed that he did not know the victim and had disclosed the incident to the Licensing Department, the following morning. He reiterated that he had been a bus driver for more than 30 years without any complaints and that the job as a taxi driver meant so much to him.

It was RESOLVED that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence from Cyngor Gwynedd.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-committee considered the following:

·      The requirements of 'Cyngor Gwynedd’s Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles'  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5