Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence for the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Following the meeting and on return to the Democratic Services Office an email had been received from Councillor Bright giving his apologies.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th March 2021.

The Lead Licensing Officer provided an update on Matters Arising, minute 73. Initial discussions with the property team highlighted potential issues with maintaining demarcation of the area surface markings in the working quay area – potentially making it a non-sustainable option. However, wider options were not pursued at the time nor since due to conflicting pressures, and apologies are forwarded to committee for that. A further update would be presented at the next Licensing meeting on 1^st December 2021.

Following a query on the clean air schemes the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that grant funding is only available to Authorities that have schemes in place.

It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded by Councillor Bushby and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th March 2021 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: For 5, Against 0, Abstentions 3)    

Members with interests to declare should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters.

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to present to the Committee the response to the formal consultation as part of the review of the Council’s Licensing Policy for Taxis and Private Hire Licences.

As the Leading Licensing Officer progressed through the proposed changes within the report questions were asked with the following responses:

·         DBS check results would be viewed by TDC Licensing Team and if there were any convictions they would questioned;

·         the enhanced DBS checks via the DBS update service would be available to view immediate and make administration much easier;

·         TDC had been notified of two motoring offences over the last couple of years and drivers had been reminded of their responsibilities to report offences;

·         if a taxi and/or private hire vehicle operated CCTV then passengers had to be made aware. Clarification was given on recording children;

·         CCTV footage to be kept for 28 days

The Lead Licensing Officer had met with the Taxi Committee who had expressed their thanks to TDC for the grants throughout COVID and to North Devon Plus for their help.

It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded by Councillor Inch and –

Resolved:

That Members approve the revised policy in accordance with the Officer comments provided in Appendix C and the new policy to come into effect from 1 December 2021.

(Vote: For – Unanimous)     

To receive the report of the Lead Licensing Officer.  

The Lead Licensing Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to review and update the Authority’s current Statement of Principles published under s.349 of the Gambling Act 2005.

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor Inch and –

Resolved:

That 1) Members approve the draft revised Statement of Principles for consultation;

        2) That consultation on the draft statement is carried out over a 6-week period and the responses reported back to this Committee.

(Vote: For – Unanimous)     

The forward plan was discussed and updated.

Following a query from Councillor Hames regarding the amount of plastic used by the recent visiting Circus, the Lead Licensing Officer and the Solicitor clarified the responsibility of the Licensing and Legal Team at Torridge and that the plastic issue may be better discussed at the Councillor Climate Change Working Group and the Property Team.