Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed the Licence Holder and his Supporter to the meeting and introductions took place.
Councillor Carr knew the Licence Holder’s Supporter and it was agreed that the Supporter would sit at the back of the room and Councillor Carr would remain in the Chair.
The Committee considered the report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services to determine the ongoing suitability of the Licence Holder to continue to be licensed as a Hackney Carriage Driver (for copy of report, see file of minutes).
The Licensing Team Leader presented the report and advised that Members had been provided with photographs, two references and a statement from the passenger. The Licence Holder had also provided CCTV footage that Members had already had sight of.
The Licensing Team Leader then advised Members that the complainant was unable to attend the meeting and Members were asked if they wished to adjourn the meeting until a time when the complainant was able to be in attendance.
The Meeting adjourned at 10.25 am to allow Members to discuss an adjournment. After re-convening at 10.35 am the Chairman advised the Sub-Committee that Members had decided to proceed.
The Licensing Enforcement Officer was in attendance to present the Licensing Enforcement Report and showed CCTV footage of the incident. Members and the Licence Holder were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Officer.
A representative from Durham Constabulary was in attendance and confirmed that the Licence Holder had no driving offences or convictions.
The Licence Holder had provided Members with a copy of his submission which Members had read. The Licence Holder was then invited to address the Sub-Committee and responded to questions from Members.
After summing up, the Sub-Committee retired to deliberate the application in private at 11.30 am. After re-convening at 11.50 am, the Chairman delivered the Sub-Committee’s decision.
Resolved: That the Licence Holder be issued with a written warning for a 6 month period.