Decision details

The Licensing Team Leader presented the report to consider and determine an application for a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence.

In response to questions from the panel, the applicant provided clarification on the circumstances surrounding his previous convictions including speeding offences.  Having completed a rehabilitation course, he said that there was no excuse and that he now understood more clearly the implications of driving with excess alcohol.

Following questioning by the Solicitor on previous drink driving convictions, the applicant said that the alcohol reading had been just above the legal limit.  On his most recent speeding conviction, he stated that he had been driving at around 36mph in a 30mph zone on a road which he had thought had a 40mph limit.  During questioning, he spoke of his regret at these incidents which had occurred during a difficult time in his life.

When invited by the Chairman to make additional representations, the applicant explained that considerable time had lapsed since his last conviction and that his personal life had improved significantly and he was now a different person.

When the Chairman was satisfied that all relevant questions had been raised, he asked that the applicant and the Licensing Team Leader leave the meeting to enable the panel to reach a decision.

5.1       Determination of the Application

In determining the application, the panel considered the applicant’s written and verbal representations and the Council’s guidance on the treatment of convictions.  In considering the circumstances involved in the conviction record, the time which had lapsed and the positive steps taken by the applicant, the panel felt that he was a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage (Joint) Driver Licence.

The Licensing Team Leader and the applicant were invited to return so that the meeting could be reconvened.

5.2       Decision

The Chairman advised that, having considered the representations made, the panel agreed that the applicant could be granted a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage Driver Licence.

RESOLVED:

That the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire/Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and that he be granted to have such a Licence.