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 Licensing Team Leader which requested the Sub-Committee to consider and determine the ongoing suitability of the Licence Holder to continue to be licensed as a Hackney Carriage Driver (for copy see file of Minutes).
The Licence Holder submitted a character reference which was circulated to Members. The referee was contacted who verified the information provided.
The Licensing Enforcement Officer addressed the Sub-Committee with regard to the matters detailed in the report. Members and the Licence Holder and his Solicitor were invited to ask questions of the Officer.
The representative from Durham Constabulary confirmed the offences listed in the report. Members and the Licence Holder and his Solicitor were invited to ask questions of the Officer.
At this point the Licence Holder and his Solicitor were invited to address the Sub-Committee and responded to the matters detailed in the report. A number of questions were asked by Members of the Sub-Committee.
The Sub-Committee retired to deliberate the application in private at 11.00am. After reconvening at 11.20am the Chairman delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision.
Resolved:
That the Licence Holder’s Hackney Carriage Driver Licence be suspended for a 6 month period but the suspension be suspended for 6 months.