Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman of the Regulatory Committee for the Municipal Year 2016/17.

RESOLVED that Cllr Coren be elected Chairman of the Committee for the municipal year 2016/17.

To elect a Vice Chairman of the Regulatory Committee for the Municipal Year 2016/17.

RESOLVED that Cllr Mrs J Doe be elected Vice Chairman of the Committee for the municipal year 2016/17.

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of Substitute Members (if any).

Apologies were received from the following Members:

Cllr K I Busch

Cllr R J Chesterton

Cllr P H D Hare-Scott

Cllr D J Knowles

To receive any questions relating to items on the Agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

There were no members of the public present.

To approve the minutes of 29 February 2016 (copy attached).

The minutes from the meeting held on 29 February 2016 were confirmed as a true and accurate record and SIGNED by the Chairman.

To receive a verbal update regarding any recent enforcement action.

The Lead Licensing Officer provided the Committee with the following updates:

1.    A driver in Crediton had been issued with a simple caution due to having parked on a Hackney Carriage rank. He had said that he had been dropping off a passenger but had admitted this had not been the right thing to do therefore prosecution was not pursued in this case.

2.    The Licensing Department had recently suspended a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver due to some concerns regarding whether the driver was fit on medical grounds. Contact would be made with the drivers GP to glean more information.

3.     A Hearing had recently been held following the receipt of a new application for a Private Hire licence for a vehicle that was 5 years and 45 days old. The policy had stated that new applications would generally only be granted if a vehicle was under 5 years ole. However, the Sub Committee had inspected the vehicle and had listened to evidence regarding its condition concluding that the licence could be granted.  

A brief discussion took place regarding the licensing of vintage vehicles. It was explained that vehicles used exclusively in connection with weddings did not require a licence. If they were doing other work (i.e. proms) a licence would be required but exceptions could be made so classic vehicles did not necessarily need to have a Mid Devon District Council plate displayed on its bumper.

To receive a report from the Public Health and Professional Services Manager presenting the new Public Health Services Enforcement Policy which encompasses the Licensing regulatory functions carried out by the Council.

Please note the report makes reference to the policy document which can be found attached to the preceding Licensing Committee agenda.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a report from the Public Health and Professional Service Manager presenting the new Public Health Services Enforcement Policy which encompassed the Licensing regulatory functions carried out by the Council.

Discussion had taken place regarding this item in the previous Licensing Committee. No further comments were made.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the SIGNED minutes.