Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

None to note

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 12, Part 4, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. This paragraph should apply because the individuals in question are entitled to privacy and there is no overriding public interest that requires the disclosure of personal information relating to those individuals, nor their identity. Consequently, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 12 and 13, Part 4, Schedule 12 A, of the Local Government Act 1972.  These paragraphs applied as the individuals in question were entitled to privacy and there was no overriding public interest that required the disclosure of personal information relating to those individuals, nor their identities.  Consequently, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

To consider an application by Mr A

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He highlighted that the decision would be made in accordance with Gwynedd Council'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 and the aim was to protect the public by ensuring that:

• A person is a fit and proper person

• The person does not pose a threat to the public

• That the public are safeguarded from dishonest persons

• The safeguarding of children and young people

• The safeguarding of vulnerable persons

• The public have confidence in their use of licensed vehicles.

The Licensing Officer presented the written report on the application received from Mr A for a hackney/private hire driver’s licence. The Sub-committee was requested to consider the application in accordance with the DBS record, and the guidelines on relevant criminal offences and convictions.

The applicant was invited to expand on the application and provide information about the background of the offences.  He noted that he had been offered a job with a local company and he had completed a medical examination.  He added that the latest conviction had occurred during a very difficult period of his life, however, he was now in a more stable period. He highlighted that he had recently lost his job with a local company and was seeking employment. He noted that he had extensive experience of driving for the companies that he worked with and he submitted a reference that supported his application.

The applicant withdrew from the room whilst the Sub-committee members discussed the application.

RESOLVED 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.

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

•           the requirements of the 'Gwynedd Council's Licensing Policy for     Hackney Carriages and   Private Hire Vehicles' 

•          the applicant's application form

•           verbal observations presented by the applicant during the hearing

            a reference in support of his application

•           the Licensing Department's report along with the DBS statement    disclosing the convictions    

Specific consideration was given to the following matters.

The applicant had received a conviction from Gwyrfai Magistrates Court (November 1982) on a charge of burglary, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.   He received a fine and an order to pay costs. In July 1988, he was found guilty by Caernarfon Magistrates Court on one charge of theft from an employee, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.  For this crime he received a fine and an order to pay damages.

The applicant received a conviction from Bangor Magistrates' Court (October 1998) for drink driving and use of a vehicle without insurance.   He was banned from driving for 18 months, he received 6 penalty points on his licence, fines and costs.  In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.