Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - 6 March 2026

The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee began the meeting with a report from the Democratic Officer on the emergency evacuation and domestic procedures, confirming that no members had any declarations of interest. The Committee then formally approved the minutes of its previous meeting held on 6 February 2026, with the resolution moved by Councillor Cador and seconded by Councillor Batters, and agreed that the minutes would be signed by the Chair.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, the Committee resolved, on motion by Councillor Ball and seconded by Councillor Pascoe, to exclude the press and public from consideration of certain business that involved the disclosure of exempt personal information. This exclusion was applied to the three licence applications that were subsequently debated.

The first licence application considered was from applicant WD221 for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle driver’s licence. After hearing the applicant’s statements and reviewing the licensing officer’s report, the Committee voted to refuse the licence. Members cited the applicant’s recent violent‑offence conviction, which falls within the ten‑year exclusion period set out in the council’s suitability guidelines, and a safeguarding assessment that deemed the applicant unsuitable. The decision was recorded as being based on public‑safety concerns and the applicant not being a “fit and proper” person.

The second application, submitted by applicant CD296, was also refused. Although CD296 had previously held a licence, the Committee noted a recent suspension (December 2024) and a series of offences, including a third conviction for possession of a bladed article and points for careless driving, all occurring within the seven‑year exclusion period for weapon‑related offences. The Committee concluded that these factors demonstrated a pattern of unsuitable behaviour and therefore rejected the application.

Finally, the Committee resolved to revoke the existing licence of applicant WD222 with immediate effect under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. The revocation was based on evidence that WD222 had failed to notify the council of a prior revocation by Plymouth City Council, had not attended the hearing, and was deemed not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. The Committee emphasized its duty to protect public safety and the statutory standards governing taxi and private‑hire vehicle drivers. All three decisions were recorded as being taken in the public interest and in accordance with the council’s licensing policies.