Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - 5 June 2026
Key Takeaways
- •Councillor O’Keefe was re‑elected Chairman and Councillor Saunby re‑elected Vice‑Chairman of the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee for 2026/27.
- •The Committee refused a Hackney Carriage vehicle application (WV80) because it did not meet the Council’s seat‑width specifications and was deemed unsafe for passengers.
- •Both driver‑licence renewal applications (CD297 and CD298) were refused after the Committee concluded the applicants were not fit and proper persons, citing police stops, drug use, and excessive penalty points.
- •The press and public were excluded from parts of the meeting to protect exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain errors. Read the full minutes for the official record.
**Committee leadership and procedural matters**
The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee confirmed its senior officers for the 2026/27 term. Councillor O’Keefe was re‑elected Chairman and Councillor Saunby was re‑elected Vice‑Chairman following motions moved and seconded by other members. The Democratic Officer briefed the Committee on emergency evacuation and domestic procedures, and no declarations of interest were recorded. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 May 2026 were approved and signed by the Chairman after a motion was moved and seconded.
**Vehicle‑specification application (Hackney Carriage WV80)**
A report on an application for a Hackney Carriage that did not meet the Council’s seat‑width specifications was considered. The applicant and the vehicle were presented to the Committee, and members inspected the interior. After discussion, the Committee resolved that the application be refused, stating that the rear seat width did not comply with the Council’s Statement of Practices, Procedures and Policy and that the vehicle would not provide safe and comfortable passenger space.
**Driver‑licence renewal – Applicant CD297**
The Committee heard a renewal application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle driver’s licence. The applicant testified and answered questions. Evidence included a police stop on 11 February 2026 while driving a licensed vehicle without a valid licence, and a prior incident involving cocaine use. The Committee concluded that the applicant was not a “fit and proper” person to hold a licence, citing the Council’s statutory standards and safeguarding advice, and resolved to refuse the renewal.
**New driver‑licence grant – Applicant CD298**
A separate application for a new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle driver’s licence was examined. The applicant disclosed nine penalty points on his DVLA licence, six of which were incurred after the sale of the vehicle, but no documentation of that sale was provided. The Committee applied the Council’s policy that seven or more points indicate a lack of fitness and propriety, and after deliberation resolved to refuse the grant. In both licence decisions, members emphasized the overriding need to protect public safety.
Attendance
12 of 13 members present
Decisions
Re‑elect O’Keefe as Chairman of Miscellaneous Licensing Committee (2026/27)
Council members voted to keep O’Keefe as chair of the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee for 2026‑27.
Re‑elect Saunby as Vice‑Chairman of Miscellaneous Licensing Committee (2026/27)
Saunby has been re‑elected as Vice‑Chairman of the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee for the 2026‑27 year.
Approve minutes of 8 May 2026 Miscellaneous Licensing Committee meeting
The council agreed that the May 8 2026 Miscellaneous Licensing Committee meeting minutes were accurate and should be signed by the Chairman.
Refuse WV80 Hackney Carriage application due to seat‑width non‑compliance
The council rejected the WV80 hackney carriage request because its seats don’t meet the required width, and it will not make any exceptions to the specifications.
Exclude press and public during consideration of specified business
The council decided that the press and public will be barred from the meeting when it discusses business containing exempt information.
Refuse renewal of CD297’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence
The council decided not to renew CD297’s licence to drive a hackney carriage or private‑hire vehicle because they are not considered a fit and proper person.
Refuse grant of CD298’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence
The council decided to deny CD298’s request for a hackney carriage and private‑hire driver licence because they consider him unfit and improper.
Related meetings
Adjacent Miscellaneous Licensing Committee meetings:
Other meetings within a week
- West Sub-Area Planning Committee — West Sub-Area Planning Committee - 29 May 2026 (29 May 2026)
- Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board — Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board - 29 May 2026 (29 May 2026)
- Appeals Committee — Appeals Committee - 1 June 2026 (1 Jun 2026)
- Committee in Common between Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership — Committee in Common between Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership - 2 June 2026 (2 Jun 2026)
- Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee — Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 2 June 2026 (2 Jun 2026)
- Chief Officers Employment Committee — Chief Officers Employment Committee - 3 June 2026 (3 Jun 2026)