Agenda item
To consider
an application by Mr A
(separate
copy for sub-committee members only)
Minutes:
a)
The
Chairman welcomed everyone
to the meeting. He explained 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 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 Officer presented a written report on an 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 his application and provide
information about the background to the offences and his personal circumstances.
He explained that all the
incidents were part of his past and that he
was now seeking
a job that would give him more flexibility
to support his wife and children. His prospective employer supported
his application.
The applicant and his prospective employer withdrew
from the room while the Sub-committee members discussed the application.
b)
RESOLVED - that the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with
a hackney vehicle/private hire driver's
licence from Gwynedd Council.
c)
In reaching its 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 and his prospective employer
during the hearing
·
a reference he had received from
the Local Member
·
the Licensing Department's
report along with the DBS statement
ch) The
applicant received two convictions in January 1990 from Caernarfon Magistrates'
Court for offences of criminal damage contrary to the Criminal Damage Act
1971. He was ordered
to pay a fine of £50, damages of £423 and costs of £15. In his application form the applicant noted that he had been disqualified from
driving in 1992 due to a drink drive conviction. He
confirmed that the disqualification had ended in 1993.
d) Paragraph 2.2 of the Council's Policy was considered, this
states that a person with a conviction for a serious offence need not be
permanently barred from obtaining a licence, but should be expected to be free
from conviction for an appropriate period as stated in the Policy, and to show
evidence that he was a fit and proper person to hold a licence. The applicant has a responsibility to show
that he is a fit and proper person.
Paragraph 4.5 of the Council policy was considered,
which stated that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions)
(Amendment) Order 2002 allowed the Sub-committee to take into account all
convictions recorded against an applicant, whether spent or otherwise under the
1974 Act.
Paragraph 6 of the Policy deals with offences of violence, and
paragraph 6.5 states that an application for a licence will normally be refused
if the applicant has a matter of criminal damage to be considered which
occurred less than three years before the application date. The paragraph lists
offences and criminal damage is included in the list. Paragraph 6.6 states that an application will normally be refused if an applicant has more than one
conviction in the last 10 years for an offence of a violent nature.
Paragraph 11.1 of the
Council policy deals with drink driving and states that a single conviction may
not result in an application being refused provided that
at least three years have elapsed since the ending of the
disqualification. Paragraph 12.0 of the
policy deals with motoring convictions and paragraph 12.10 notes that an
application will normally be refused where the applicant has a conviction or
other matters to be considered resulting in a period of disqualification of 12
months or more, unless a period of at least 18 months has elapsed from the end
of the disqualification period.
dd)
The Sub-committee gave specific consideration to the following matters
The Sub-committee determined that the 1990 offences were violent
offences. However, as these offences had occurred over 29 years ago, beyond the
period of 10 years, paragraph 6.6 of the Policy was irrelevant and there was no
reason to refuse the application. In considering the 1992 drink drive offence,
the Sub-committee determined, as 26 years had elapsed since the
disqualification had ended, that it was not possible to refuse the application
under paragraphs 11.1 and 12.0.
The Sub-committee
was of the opinion that the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a
hackney vehicle and private hire driver's licence.
The Solicitor reported that the decision would be confirmed
formally by letter to the applicant.