Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed the Licence Holder and his Solicitor to the meeting and introductions were made.
Consideration was given to the report of the Interim Corporate Director Neighbourhood Services which requested the Sub-Committee to consider and determine the suitability of the Licence Holder to continue to be licensed as a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver (for copy see file of minutes).
The Licensing Enforcement Team Leader was in attendance and outlined the Enforcement report. Members and the Licence Holder and his Solicitor were shown video footage and still photographs of the incident in question. Members and the Licence Holder and his Solicitor were then given the opportunity to ask questions.
A representative from Durham Constabulary was in attendance and provided Members with background information in respect of the matters detailed in the report. Members and the Licence Holder and his Solicitor were given the opportunity to ask questions.
The Licence Holder and his Solicitor addressed the Sub-Committee and provided Members with additional information they then responded to questions.
The Sub-Committee adjourned at 10.40 am for a comfort break and re-convened at 10.50 am. The Licence Holder withdrew from the meeting but had indicated that he was happy for his Solicitor to proceed in his absence.
The Sub-Committee retired to deliberate the application in private at 11.00 am. After re-convening at 11.25 am the Chairman delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision for which the Licence Holder was present.
Resolved: That the Licence Holder’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence be revoked as he was not considered to be a fit and proper person.