Agenda and minutes

Councillor Humphrey welcomed members of the public and press watching the livestream of the Licensing meeting via YouTube due to Government guidance on social distancing. The meeting was held in accordance with the provision set out in the Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 and with Fenland District Council’s Virtual Meeting Protocol.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 17 September 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held 17 September 2020 were agreed.

To update Members on the outcome of the public consultation for the draft policy document and for Members to consider the results of the consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy for the period 2021-2026. 

Members considered the Review of Licensing Statement of Policy Document – Licensing Act 2003 report following responses received during consultation presented by Michelle Bishop.

Members AGREED to recommend to Full Council that the draft Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for the period of 2021 - 2026.

To seek Licensing Committee approval for formal consultation with the trade, the public and other interested parties on the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, and for Members to approve consultation on the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for the period of 2021-2026. 

Members considered the Review of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy report presented by Michelle Bishop.

Councillor Hoy commented that it would be useful in future to see what the difference is in our policy between items that we must have by law under Licensing Acts and items that we include as an addition.

Members AGREED:

·         To approve the draft policy document for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing for a consultation period of no less than six weeks to allow for a public consultation to capture the views of both the trade and public

·         That officers report back to committee with the outcomes of the consideration to agree a final version to be referred to Full Council for adoption.