Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence for the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 30^th November 2022.

It was proposed by Councillor J McKenzie, seconded by Councillor R Clarke and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th November 2022 be agreed as a

correct record.

(Vote: For – 7, Against – 0, Abstentions - 2)    

The Action List was discussed and updated.

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.

The Lead Licensing Officer had three matters to notify the Committee.

Firstly, following the last meeting and the approval of two wheelchair access plates, no applications had been received. It was advised that these would be left open and available and would be issued on a first come first served basis.

Secondly, following the Licensing Sub-committee hearing on 16^th December 2022 the Anchor Inn had taken the committee decision to appeal and was awaiting a magistrate’s court date. The Lead Licensing Officer predicted this would not be until May 2023. While waiting for the court date the conditions agreed by the Sub-committee in December could not be imposed.

Thirdly, there would be Licensing training on 19^th May following the election.

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 an amendments to the Licensing Policy for Taxis and Private Hire Licences.

It was proposed by Councillor J McKenzie, seconded by Councillor P Hackett and –

Resolved:

That the revised paragraphs be approved and that they be included in the policy with immediate effect.

(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 present to the Committee the responses to the recent consultation on the review of the Licensing Policy for Small Commercial Vessels and seek approval of the Policy.

A discussion took place.

The Lead Licensing Officer confirmed, following a query, that it would be purely the operator/owner of a small vessel business that would need to be qualified not the person hiring the vessel. A safety boat would be in operation for any incidents that may occur.

The discussion progressed to Jet Skis with Councillor Hames proposing Jet Skis are banned from the slipway in Appledore. There was no seconder for this proposal. It was re-iterated that this Policy refers to commercial vessels not private vessels.

In response to a query regarding Hovercrafts it was advised that currently there are no commercial Hovercrafts in the area. It was also raised that the hovercraft section did not include “Restrict use to areas free of bathers” as with other types of vessel. The Lead Licensing Officer advised this would be included.

It was also confirmed that during the assessment process of the licence application TDC liaise with the Harbour Master if deemed necessary. If an application is approved and not adhered to then TDC have enforcement powers to restrict or revoke the licence.  

It was proposed by Councillor J McKenzie, seconded by Councillor P Hackett and –

Resolved:

That the revised policy be approved.

(Vote: For – 8, Against – 0, Abstentions - 1)    

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 responses to the recent consultation on the introduction of the Animal Licensing Policy.

A discussion took place.

Following a query, it was advised that the policy would not apply to sanctuaries or charities.

If results of a DBS check are returned with non-animal related offences this would not have an impact on the licence application.

The discussion progressed to other staff, in addition to the owner/operator, at animal premises such as riding stables. It was suggested that all staff have a DBS check when working with children. Arguments for and against this were expressed by the committee. Legal advice on adding conditions to the policy was given by the Legal Services Manager.

In response to a further query, regarding the need for a DBS check on an affiliated business, the Lead Licensing Officer confirmed that under this policy every licence holder would be required to have a DBS check whether they were affiliated or not.  

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

Resolved:

That the policy be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)    

The forward plan was discussed and updated.