Meeting documents

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licensing Team Leader presented the report which asked members to determine whether the licence holder was still a fit a proper person to hold a licence.

The Licence Holder stated that despite what is recorded on the police statement, he had not admitted to the allegations made against him. He stated that the police interview tapes would prove this. The Legal Advisor asked the Licence Holder to confirm whether he had signed the Police Constable's pocket book as detailed within the statement. The Licence Holder responded that he had signed the pocket book but had not read what he was signing for.

In response to a question from a Member, the Licensing Team Leader stated that the medical checks were required to be taken once every three years.

The Licence Holder addressed the Sub-Committee. He apologised for not reporting the most recent incident and his change of address. He explained that due to his personal circumstances at the time, as detailed within the report, he was struggling emotionally and therefore was not concerned about meeting the conditions of his licence.

He explained his version of events for both of the allegations and stated that he had not done the things that he had been accused of. He stated that he had a tactile nature and was very friendly with all of his customers, he explained that this did not make him a bad person.

In response to questions from the Licensing Team Leader, the Licence Holder stated the following:

- He often affectionately touched people on the arm or leg, as that was his nature.

- He was unsure why the first alleged incident had been reported as the passenger left the car laughing and joking.

- He had not mentioned the customers underwear as alleged, this was something the passenger had raised during a conversation regarding the amount of things she owned that were the colour of pink.

In response to a question from a Member, the Licence Holder's employer stated that complaints of that nature were often made about taxi drivers, this was why escorts were provided for particular trips with vulnerable passengers.

In response to a further question, the Licence Holder's employer stated that the County Council made the decision on which passengers need an escort and there was a cost involved. The contracts for particular trips such as school runs came from the County Council.

In response to questions from Members, the Licence Holder stated the following:

- It had been difficult not working during the suspension of his licence, which was for the past 4 months. He stated that if his licence was to be returned then he would still continue to be helpful to his customers, for example carrying elderly ladies' shopping bags and making sure drunken passengers arrived home safely.

- He was late for the Disability Awareness Course due to his own mix up of the date and time.

- There had not been any further incidents of failing to report to the Licensing Officer.

- There had been no further allegations made against him since the most recent incident.

- He had been working with his current employer for three years and there had been no other serious complaints. His employer confirmed that.

- He had not been taken off the school run in question, he had been moved to an alternative contract. His employer explained that drivers were voluntarily moved from a particular contract if it was in the best interest for all parties. He was not taken off the contract for a disciplinary reason.

- His actions towards people were made as a term of endearment not to offend, unfortunately people could perceive his actions differently.

The Legal Advisor explained that the Licence Holder's employer had submitted a statement prior to the meeting, he circulated it and asked the Licence Holder's employer if he would like to speak to it.

The Licence Holder's employer addressed the Sub-Committee and highlighted the points made in his statement.

On a point of clarification, the Legal Advisor explained that even though the Licence Holder's Licence had expired during the suspension, the Members were not considering it as a new application.

The Legal Advisor circulated an email from the County Council which outlined that the County Council did not apply its own vetting policy to taxi drivers but relied on District and Borough Councils to assess the suitability of drivers during the licensing process.

In response to a question from a Member, the Licence Holder's employer confirmed that he had 100 percent trust in the Licence Holder with regards to the safety of his customers.

Both the Licensing Team Leader and the Licence Holder gave brief closing remarks re-iterating points raised earlier in the meeting.

The Sub Committee adjourned for consideration at 5.02pm and reconvened at 5.45pm.