Agenda and minutes

Members and officers must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to

any business on the agenda. Declarations should also be made at any stage such

an interest becomes apparent during the meeting.

If in doubt contact the Legal or Democratic Services representative for this meeting.

There were declarations of interest or substitute members

To approve the minutes of the Licensing and Control Committee A meeting of held

on the 27 September 2021, the Licensing and Control Committee B meeting held on the 7 October 2021 and the Licensing and Control Committee B sub-Committee meetings of the 7 July 2021, 15 September 2021 and the 18 October 2021 copies of which have been previously circulated.

Resolved: that the minutes of the Licensing and Control Committee A meeting held on the 27 September 2021, the Licensing and Control Committee B meeting held on the 7 October 2021 and the Licensing and Control Committee B sub-Committee meetings of the 7 July 2021, 15 September 2021 and the 18 October 2021 be approved as the correct record.

To receive any questions from Members of the public in accordance with Standing

Order 11.2

( Note: Public Question Time will operate for a maximum of 30 minutes.)

There were no questions from the public

To consider a report by the Interim Director for Communities, copy attached as item 4

Before the Committee was a report by the Interim Director for Communities, a copy of which had been circulated to all members, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 4. The report invited members to review the Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Handbook following a wide consultation exercise. Members were requested to consider the document and the representations received and any other appropriate amendments.

The Licensing Officer presented the report to the Committee and went through responses received as a result of consultation on the issue.

Members were told of representations in relation to the tint levels of rear side windows. Members discussed a condition concerning the restriction of vehicles with a certain level of tint in rear windows. Evidence was put forward concerning both the levels of standard tint from main vehicle manufacturers and submissions from Sussex Police stating that passengers in the rear seats should be visible when looked upon from outside. Representations from the trade stated that the condition reduced the amount of vehicles available for purchase for use and that the cost of replacing windows was prohibitively expensive. During debate members learned that Brighton and Hove and Arun did not have conditions relating to the tint of rear windows and that Adur had removed such conditions from its handbook in the previous week. Five vehicles in the previous 3 years had been rejected on the grounds of windows with too heavy a tint. Members discussed the matter. Members discussed the matter and there it was recognised that there was an overall difficult economic situation and that it was favourable to have a consistent standard across neighbouring authorities. The Committee was minded to remove the condition, however it was considered that privacy glass should be prohibited and it was agreed by vote that the policy be changed so that there be at least 30% light transmission in the windows concerned.

Members discussed representation in relation to the operation of CCTV in vehicles. The Committee was told that in relation to CCTV police and the local authority had on more than one occasion been unable to obtain CCTV information due to footage being partially lost, corrupted and or equipment tampered with, fuses removed or cables disconnected. It was proffered that the installation of a screen that installed in vehicles would enable drivers and passenger to know instantly that the CCTV was recording and functioning. Members were told that those vehicles without a screen could have one retrofit for £66 or if rented there would be a cost of £2.46 to the driver. Members debated the CCTV issue and there was support for the compulsory installation of a CCTV screen. They were told that 32% of date requested by police and the local authority had been corrupted due to a variety of reasons. Given public safety concerns in relation to the operation of installed CCTV and the benefit to falsely accused drivers, members agreed to add a condition that the CCTV  ...  view the full minutes text for item LCCAB/13/21-22

To consider a report by the Interim Director for Communities, copy attached as item 5

Before the Committee was a report by the Interim Director for Communities, copies of which had been circulated to all members, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 5. Members were invited to review the draft statement of licensing Policy and invite Council to adopt the updated policy.

The Licensing officer introduced the report to the committee, summarising proposed changes and representations received. Members were also given an overview of the changing situation regarding gambling with an increase of online gambling and a decrease in traditional betting shops, particularly with regards to legislation concerning fixed odds betting terminals.

The Committee discussed the report and agreed to recommend the policy to full council for adoption

Resolved: that the committee recommend the draft statement of licensing policy for adoption by Full Council.