Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory which presents the Annual Licensing Report for 2018

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Officer, Elections and Regulatory presented the annual report for 2018.

Nicola Raper, Section Head, Entertainment Licensing and Andrew White, Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Manager presented the report.

The report covered the 2018 calendar year for both Entertainment and Taxi & Private Hire Licensing.  Issues highlighted from the report included the following:

·  Partnerships involved with Entertainment Licensing.

·  Proactive work including objectives to apps in CIP areas

·  Training available for night time economy providers

·  Complaints investigated and resolved

·  Reviews carried out under the Licensing Act

·  Gambling – agreement with the Large Casino provider to support those with gambling problems.

·  Outdoor events – major events would be held at Elland Road, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam in the coming year.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  There was a code of practice for all gambling operators to provide support and information for problem gamblers and staff should be trained to identify issues.  Problem gamblers could be prevented from gambling by operators or through self-exclusion and information on further support was available for those with problems.

·  Adult shops – the number across the city had dropped.

·  Equality issues – complaints had been received of cases relating to gender and disability access.  Work had been done with license holders regarding accessibility.

·  Purple flag accreditation – this had been awarded following an assessment of the night time economy.  This was the second year that Leeds had received the accreditation.  There had been publicity of the accreditation when first awarded.

·  Further concerns regarding protection for problem gamblers – issues discussed included reduction of stakes for foxed odd betting terminals; responsibilities of operators.  Checks and visits to gambling establishments were carried out by Licensing Officers.

With regard to Taxi and Private Hire Licensing, the following was highlighted:

·  There had been a reduction in the number of license refusals and revocations.

·  There had been fewer applications.  It was thought that drivers had chosen to be licensed elsewhere.

·  There had been an increase in suspensions – this had included giving drivers opportunity to reach compliance or for investigations to be carried out and also due to issues relating to DBS checks.

·  There had been an increase in the number of complaints.  The largest area was related to driver conduct.

·  There had been an increase in the number of appeals against suspension.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Drivers were sent reminders when medical certificates were due to expire.  Most cases of refusal for not having medical clearance were due to certificates having expired.

·  Drivers caught plying for hire were prosecuted.  Hot spot locations were targeted and those caught often had licenses revoked and points added to their licenses.  If the drivers were registered elsewhere, the host authority would be informed.

·  On street checks – 1,300 to 1,400 checks had been carried out. Ten percent of these were for vehicles registered outside of Leeds.

·  There was a mandate for harmonisation for driver safety, suitability and training with neighbouring authorities.

·  It was cheaper to obtain a license in other authority areas.  Fees in Leeds were set to cover costs.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Report be noted.