Licensing Committee - 28/06/2012

At a MEETING of the LICENSING COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 28th June, 2012.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 7th June, 2012 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE

The minutes of meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 7th June and 12th June, 2012, were submitted and noted for information and record purposes, copies of which are attached to this minute as Appendices I and II.

II CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

(a) NEW APPLICATIONS GRANTED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS

The Committee noted that the undernoted applications had been granted under delegated powers.

PRIVATE HIRE OPERATION - NEW APPLICATION

PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT - NEW APPLICATIONS

SECOND HAND DEALER - NEW APPLICATIONS

SKIN PIERCING AND TATTOOING - NEW APPLICATIONS

STREET TRADER - NEW APPLICATION

TAXI DRIVER - NEW APPLICATIONS

TAXI OPERATOR - NEW APPLICATIONS

WINDOW CLEANER - NEW APPLICATION

(b) LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

There was submitted the undernoted application.

In the case of this application, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and, having heard from the Legal Officer, agreed that consideration of the application be deferred to the meeting of this Committee to be held in September, 2012.

(c) STREET TRADER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATIONS

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

In the case of Application No 1, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and, having heard from the Legal Officer, agreed that consideration of the matter be deferred to a future meeting of the Committee.

In the case of Application No 2, the Committee noted that the application be made to vary Conditions 9 and 10 to allow the vehicle to be cited in Balerno Avenue and planning had stated that planning permission had to be sought if the vehicle was to be placed in the same place for more than 28 calendar dates in any year. It was further reported that the applicant was aware of this and would like to try out the site for a period of a week before she decided to place the vehicle at this site on a permanent basis.

Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to grant the application, subject to conditions restricting the operation of the licence to the specified location only.

In the case of Application No 3, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and having heard from the Legal Officer, agreed that consideration of the matter be deferred to a future meeting of the Committee.

In the case of Application No 4, the Committee noted that the application had been made to vary Conditions 9 and 10 to allow the vehicle to be cited in the city centre area. Thereafter, having heard from the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted, subject to deletion of Conditions 9 and 10.

(d) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATIONS

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

In the case of Application Nos 1, 2 and 3, the Committee noted that these applications had been withdrawn from consideration by the applicants.

In the case of Application No 4, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having noted that the applicant had failed to pass a street test within the prescribed period, the Committee agreed that the application be refused.

(e) TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

There was submitted the undernoted application.

In the case of this application, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having noted that the applicant had failed to attend for interview within the prescribed period, the Committee agreed that the application be refused.

(f) TAXI OPERATOR'S - REQUEST FOR VARIATION TO ALLOW TINTED WINDOWS ON A TAXI

Reference was made to Article V(f) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 7th June, 2012, wherein it was agreed to defer consideration of the application by Taxi Operator, Ronald Adams, a Taxi Licence holder for over 15 years, for a variation to allow tinted windows on his taxi to allow further information to be submitted.

There was submitted Agenda Note AN108-2012 reporting that by way of background prior to April, 2005, there were no guidelines or policy on tinted windows in taxis, primarily because vehicles with tinted or blacked out windows were relatively uncommon. In 2003, the number of such vehicles was increasing and the matter was discussed at the Taxi Liaison Group on 29th March, 2004. At that meeting, public safety concerns were expressed by Tayside Police about being unable to see inside a vehicle, and it was agreed that it be recommended to the Licensing Committee that a Tint Meter should be used to ensure the legal requirements were being met as a visual test was unsatisfactory being too subjective and also subject to variation depending on a number of factors such as ambient light sources and the colour of the interior of the vehicle. Vehicles with lighter upholstery will seem lighter than those with darker upholstery. The decision was approved by the Licensing Committee on 6th May, 2004 and the Policy came into effect on 1st April, 2005.

The Agenda Note also provided excerpt information relevant to the Guidance Notes on Taxi Testing outlined in the Policy in Note 12.

It was therefore recommended that the test remain unchanged and that the operator of any vehicle failing the test apply for a variation and, as part of that application, submit photographs showing a passenger in the rear of their vehicle or, alternatively, submit the vehicle for a visual inspection by members of the Committee. The Committee could, if satisfied that there were no issues regarding public safety, grant a variation for that particular vehicle only.

In the case of this application, the Committee, having considered the content of the Agenda Note, heard the applicant on their own behalf, consideration of photographic evidence submitted in support of the application, the Clerk and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, agreed that consideration of the matter be deferred to the meeting of this Committee to be held in September, 2012 to allow for discussion at the Taxi Liaison Group on 10th July, 2012.

(g) APPROVED LIST OF ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

It was reported that a Peugeot Premier Horizon 2008 model presented by Shona Mathers had been assessed by the Plant and Vehicle Officer and that having received the appropriate certificate, it was recommended that this individual vehicle be added to the list of whole volume accessible vehicles.

The Committee agreed that the vehicle listed above be added to the list of whole volume accessible vehicles.

(h) WINDOW CLEANER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

There was submitted the undernoted application.

In the case of this application, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having noted that the applicant had failed to produce his Unique Tax Reference Number and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be considered incompetent.

(i) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - NEW APPLICATIONS

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

In the case of Application No 1, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and it was agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, consideration of the contents of letters which had been submitted on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted subject to the applicant appointing a suitable day to day manager by the next meeting of the Committee.

In the case of Application No 2, the Committee noted that the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter should be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having heard from a representative from the Housing Department, the Committee agreed that consideration of the application be deferred to the next meeting of this Committee to be held in September, 2012 to allow the applicant to be present.

In the case of Application No 3, the Committee, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer and receiving confirmation that the Certificate of Compliance had now been submitted to the satisfaction of the Licensing Department, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application No 4, the Committee, having heard a representative from the Housing Department, the applicant on their own behalf and receiving confirmation that the Certificate of Compliance had now been received to the satisfaction of the Licensing Department, agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application No 5, the Committee, having heard a representative from the Housing Department and the applicant on their own behalf and receiving confirmation that the Certificate of Compliance have now been received to the satisfaction of the Licensing Department, agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application No 6, the Committee, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, agreed that the application be granted.

(j) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - VARIATIONS

There were submitted the undernoted requests for variation.

In the case of Application No 1, the Committee noted that this application had been withdrawn from consideration by the applicant.

In the case of Application No 2, there being no objection, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

(k) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - RENEWAL APPLICATION

There was submitted the undernoted application.

In the case of the above application, reference was made to Article V(i) held on 7th June, 2012, wherein consideration of the application was deferred to allow the agent to be in attendance. The Committee noted the objectors to this application were not present and agreed that the matter be discussed in their absence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letters of objections which were submitted by members of the public. Thereafter, having heard a representative from the Housing Department, a representative from Tayside Police, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted and that an update be submitted to the Committee on the operation of the licence after a period of six months.

(l) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - UPDATE

There was submitted the undernoted update.

Reference was made to Article II(f) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 12th January, 2012, wherein it was agreed to grant the application, subject to recall in June, 2012, with an update from the Private Sector Services Unit. Thereafter, having heard a representative from the Housing Department and noting that there were no adverse reports to advise the Committee of, the Committee agreed that no further action be taken.

The Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

III ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (SCOTLAND) ACT 2004 - REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN LANDLORDS

Reference was made to Article III(ii) held on 29th March, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the registration of Mr M A as a landlord to allow the property to be sold. The Committee gave consideration to the original memorandum which had been submitted by the Private Sector Manager relevant to this application. Thereafter, having heard a representative from the Housing Department, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice by the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that consideration of the matter be deferred to the meeting of this Committee to be held in September, 2012.

Councillor Tom Ferguson left the Chamber prior to consideration of the undernoted application.

IV CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

(a) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

(i) Reference was made to Article VI(d)(i) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 7th June, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application by Mr F C for a Taxi Drivers Licence to allow the applicant to submit medical evidence. The original letter of objection from the Chief Constable was submitted, together with letters of support submitted by the applicant.

The Committee, having considered the advice of the Legal Officer, agreed to grant the application for a period of six weeks to allow the applicant to submit a medical certificate and Unique Tax Reference Number to the satisfaction of the Licensing Committee and to delegate authority to the Clerk to grant the application for a period of three months thereafter to the meeting of this Committee to be held in November, 2012.

Councillor Tom Ferguson returned to the Chamber prior to consideration of the undernoted application.

(ii) Reference was made to Article VI(d)(iii) of the minute of meeting held on 7th June, 2012, where it was agreed to grant a Temporary Licence to Mr D F for a period of six weeks but to bring it back to Committee on 28th June, 2012. The original letter of representation which had been submitted by the Chief Constable was noted. The Committee noted that the Unique Tax Reference Number had now been lodged by the applicant and, having heard from the Clerk, the Committee agreed to grant the application for a period of six months.

(b) PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR - RENEWAL APPLICATION

There was submitted an application by Mr R M for renewal of his Private Hire Operator's Licence.

The Committee noted that the application had been lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee gave consideration to a letter of explanation from the applicant. Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be accepted as late.

(c) SKIN PIERCING AND TATTOOING LICENCE - RENEWAL APPLICATION

There was submitted an application by Mr C S for a renewal of his Skin Piercing and Tattooing Licence. The Committee noted that the application had been lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee gave consideration of a letter of explanation which had been submitted by the applicant. Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be accepted as late.

(d) TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - RENEWAL APPLICATIONS

(i) There was submitted an application by Mr R G for renewal of his Taxi Operator's Licence. The Committee noted that the application was lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee gave consideration to a letter of explanation which was submitted by the applicant. Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf, the Committee agreed that the application be accepted as late.

(ii) There was submitted an application by Mr C McF for renewal of his Taxi Operator's Licence. The Committee noted that the application was lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee gave consideration to a letter of explanation which was submitted by the applicant. Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf, the Committee agreed that the application be accepted as late.

(iii) There was submitted an application by Mr G McL for renewal of his Taxi Operator's Licence. The Committee noted that the application was lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee gave consideration to a letter of explanation which was submitted by the applicant. Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf, the Committee agreed that the application be accepted as late.

(iv) There was submitted an application by Mr M L for renewal of his Taxi Operator's Licence. The Committee noted that this application had been lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee noted that a letter of objection had been submitted by a member of the public relevant to this application. The Committee noted that both the objector and the applicant were not present and having considered the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the application to the September meeting of the Committee.

(e) TAXI BOOKING OFFICE LICENCE - RENEWAL APPLICATION

There was submitted an application by Company B for renewal of their Taxi Booking Office Licence. The Committee noted that the application was lodged after the last day for lodging applications for renewals. The Committee noted the applicant was not present and after consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the consideration of the application be deferred to the September meeting of the Committee.

(f) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - SUSPENSION HEARINGS

(i) Reference was made to Article I(a)(i) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 4th June, 2012, wherein the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr C D was suspended by immediate effect. There was submitted a letter from the Chief Constable relevant to alleged conduct of Mr C D during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee gave consideration of the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Clerk, the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing to the September meeting of the Committee and to continue the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr C D in the intervening period with immediate effect.

(ii) Reference was made to Article I(a)(i) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 12th June, 2012, wherein the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr M G was suspended with immediate effect. The Committee gave consideration of the content of the letter of information which had been submitted by the Chief Constable relevant to alleged conduct of Mr M G during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing to the September meeting of the Committee and to continue the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr M G during the intervening period with immediate effect.

(iii) Reference was made to Article IV(vii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 29th March, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing in relation to the conduct of Mr T H during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence to allow the licence holder to pay an outstanding fixed penalty. The Committee noted that the fixed penalty had not yet been paid. The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having heard from the Environmental Compliance Manager and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr T H be suspended for a period of three months.

(iv) Reference was made to Article VI(e)(v) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 7th June, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing in relation to alleged conduct of Mr M M during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence to allow Mr M M to be in attendance. Reference was also made to Article II(iv) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 28th June, 2012, wherein a further letter of information was submitted by the Chief Constable relevant to alleged conduct of Mr M M during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence and it was decided to hold a hearing in relation to that matter. The Committee noted that the licence holder was present and having considered the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to adjourn this hearing to the meeting of the Licensing Committee to be held in September, 2012 to allow both matters to be considered together.

(v) Reference was made to Article I(b)(ii) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 7th June, 2012, wherein it was agreed that a hearing be held in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr J R during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter of information which was submitted by the Chief Constable. Thereafter, having heard from a representative of the Chief Constable, an agent on behalf of the licence holder, the licence holder on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that no further action be taken.

(vi) Reference was made to Article III(e)(vi) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 12th January, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr S W during the currency of this Taxi Driver's Licence to await the outcome of criminal proceedings. The Committee noted the content of the letter which was submitted by the Chief Constable, together with an explanatory letter which was submitted by the agent on behalf of the licence holder. The Committee gave consideration to the content of a further letter which had been submitted by the agent on behalf of the licence holder confirming that the Procurator Fiscal was taking no further proceedings. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that no further action be taken.

(g) TAXI DRIVER'S/TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - SUSPENSION HEARING

Reference was made to Article III(f)(i) of the minute of meeting held on 29th March, 2012, wherein it was agreed to adjourn the hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr M A during the currency of his Taxi Driver and Taxi Operator's Licence to await the outcome of the trial to be held on 7th June, 2012. The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and after consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, agreed to adjourn the hearing until September, 2012 at the request of the agent for the licence holder.

(ii) Reference was made to Article I(a)(iii) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 7th June, 2012, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr I B during the currency of his Taxi Driver and Taxi Operator's Licence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, the licence holder on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that no further action be taken and that the licence holder be issued with a verbal warning in relation to his future conduct.

(iii) Reference was made to Article VI(f)(iii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 7th June, 2012, wherein it was agreed to adjourn consideration of the hearing in relation to Mr C K during the currency of his Taxi Driver's and Taxi Operator's Licence to allow the licence holder to be present. The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr C K be suspended for a period of three months and that no further action be taken in relation to the Taxi Operator's Licence held by Mr C K.

(h) SKIN PIERCING AND TATTOOING LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

There was submitted an application by Mr F D for a Skin Piercing and Tattooing Licence. There was submitted a late objection by a member of the public relevant to this application. The Committee noted that the objectors were present and having heard an explanation for late submission agreed that their objection be considered. Thereafter, having heard the objectors, the applicant on their own behalf, a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to adjourn the application to the meeting of this Committee to be held in September, 2012 to allow for supplementary evidence previously submitted by objector to be submitted for consideration.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

At a MEETING of the LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 7th June, 2012.

APPENDIX I

Present:-

Councillor Stewart HUNTER

Councillor David BOWES

Councillor Tom FERGUSON

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

The Sub-Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

I CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

(a) TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE AND TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR HEARING

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr J R during the currency of his Taxi Operator's Licence and Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter submitted by the Chief Constable. Thereafter, the Sub-Committee agreed that a hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr J R to be the holder of a Taxi Operator's Licence and Taxi Driver's Licence.

(b) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR HEARING

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Ms S G during the currency of her Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter submitted by the Chief Constable. Thereafter, the Sub-Committee agreed that a hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Ms S G to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Convener agreed that the undernoted items of business be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

(c) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE AND TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR HEARINGS

(i) There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr G G during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub‑Committee agreed that a suspension hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr G G to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

(ii) There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr I B during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter submitted by the Chief Constable. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub-Committee agreed that a suspension hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr I B to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

(d) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR HEARING

(i) There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr J R during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub‑Committee agreed that a suspension hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr J R to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

(ii) There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr D P during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter submitted by the Chief Constable. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub-Committee agreed that a suspension hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr D P to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

At a MEETING of the LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 12th June, 2012.

APPENDIX II

Present:-

Councillor Stewart HUNTER

Councillor David BOWES

Councillor Tom FERGUSON

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

The Convener agreed that the undernoted item of business be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

The Sub-Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

I CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

(a) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR SUSPENSION

There was tabled a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr M G during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter submitted by the Chief Constable.

Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub-Committee agreed that the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr M G be suspended with immediate effect and that a hearing be convened in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr M G to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.