Agenda and minutes

IN ATTENDANCE  Mr T McSharry – Access Committee for Leeds

  Mr P Gleeson – Access Committee for Leeds

    Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Trade Representatives

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of interest

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dobson, Grayshon, Hanley and Selby

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 21^st December 2010 as a correct record

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held 21^st December 2011 be agreed as a correct record

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on the rolling programme of the review of the policies, conditions and byelaws affecting Taxi and Private Hire licensing

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a report on the rolling programme of the review of the policies, conditions and Byelaws affecting Taxi and Private Hire licensing.

Members noted that both the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trades had been consulted and the responses were included within the report. Additionally the Section had written to all drivers. Reports on each policy, set of conditions or Byelaw would be presented in due course once the review process had been completed. Members also discussed issues relating to the Licensing Newsletter; the grounds for Medical Exemptions; and the usual course of action should a private hire driver be found to be plying for hire.

It was reported that a report on the NVQ/VRQ qualifications for drivers would be presented to the next meeting and Members noted the request that a full equality impact assessment be submitted in relation to the implementation of that policy . In addition it was agreed that information be supplied directly to Mr McSharry of the Access Committee on whether a specific disability impact assessment had been undertaken.

Members acknowledged that many people were dependant on the HC or PH trade as their preferred transport and, noting that representatives of the trade were present, urged all members of the trade to get involved in the consultation. Furthermore, the Chair took the opportunity to remind the trade that issues relating to hackney carriage access and facilities at Leeds Bradford Airport were a matter for the Development Department  and all correspondence should be directed to the appropriate Councillor and officers, not to Licensing Committee

RESOLVED – That the timetable for the review be agreed

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) providing an update on the progress on the Large Casino application process

(Report attached)

The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) providing an update on the progress on the Large Casino application process and noted the intention to present a draft application pack to the April Committee meeting

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and the work undertaken so far

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) providing an update on the progress made on the drafting and implementation of a Statement of Licensing Policy for the licensing of Sex Establishments

(Report attached)

The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on the progress made so far on the drafting and implementation of a Statement of Licensing Policy for the licensing of Sex Establishments. Members noted that discussions had been held with Operators, and the draft Policy would be open to public consultation from 4^th April 2011.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and the progress made so far be noted

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) providing the outcome of an application received to vary the Premises Licence associated with the Leeds Festival, held within the grounds of Bramham Park, Bramham

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a report on the outcome of an application received to vary the Premises Licence associated with the Leeds Festival, held within the grounds of Bramham Park, Bramham. Members noted that no representations had been received to the application and the Licence had subsequently been granted to allow the capacity of the Festival to increase to 89,999. It was noted the festival organisers intended to increase the capacity at a rate of 5000 patrons per year until the limit was met.

Officers reported that multi agency meetings had already commenced in readiness for the 2011 Festival

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted

To note the contents of the Licensing Work Programme for the remainder of this Municipal Year

(Schedule attached)

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the Licensing Work Programme for the remainder of the 2010/11 Municipal Year

To note the date and time of the next Licensing Committee meeting as Tuesday 15^th March 2011 at 10:00 am

RESOLVED – To note the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 15^th March 2011 at 10.00 am