Licensing Committee - 26/03/2015

At a MEETING of the LICENSING COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 26th March, 2015.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 5th March, 2015 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Lynn declared a non-financial interest in relation to the matter at Article VII(c)(iii) of this minute, by virtue of the applicant being known to him in a personal capacity and left the Chamber prior to its consideration. Councillor Lynn re-entered the Chamber prior to consideration of the item of business at Article VII(c)(iii) of this minute.

II MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE

The minutes of meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 27th February, 2015, 5th March, 2015, 10th March, 2015, 16th March, 2015 and 17th March, 2015 were submitted and noted for information and record purposes, copies of which are attached to this minute as Appendices I, II, III, IV and V.

III TAXI LIAISON GROUP

(a) MINUTE OF MEETING OF 25TH NOVEMBER, 2014

The minute of meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group held on 25th November, 2014 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as Appendix VI.

(b) MEETING ON 11TH MARCH, 2015

The Principal General Services Officer reported verbally on two issues which were discussed at the meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group held on 11th March, 2015 as follows:-

(i) CCTV IN VEHICLES OPERATED AS TAXIS

The Committee was advised that there was general support from the Group for introducing a requirement to make CCTV mandatory in taxis and that a report would be submitted for the Committee's consideration in due course once an investigation of available CCTV systems was completed by officers.

(ii) TRAINING FOR TAXI DRIVERS

The Committee was given an update on progress. The Unite the Union course and Dundee College course were both underway. The various local taxi offices and the GMB Union were putting their own courses together and would be seeking appropriate accreditation for these.

The Committee noted the position on each of these matters as reported.

IV 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 OPERATORS - NEW APPLICATION

SECOND HAND DEALER - NEW APPLICATION

TAXI DRIVER - NEW APPLICATIONS

WINDOW CLEANER - NEW APPLICATION

(b) TAXI DRIVER - 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 application be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having noted that the applicant had failed to pass the street test within the prescribed period, the Committee agreed that the application be refused.

(c) SKIN PIERCING AND TATTOOIST- NEW APPLICATION

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

In the case of Application No 1, the Committee noted the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence.

There was submitted a letter of information which had been received from Environmental Health relevant to this application advising that they had had no contact from the applicant and the premises had had no works done to them to facilitate the operation of the licence.

The Committee gave consideration to the letter.

Thereafter, having considered the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be refused.

In the case of Application No 2, the Committee noted the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence.

The Committee noted that Environmental Health had reported that they had received no contact from the applicant relevant to their application.

The Committee gave consideration to the application.

Thereafter, having considered the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be refused.

(d) TAXI OPERATORS LICENCE - REQUEST FOR VARIATION

There was submitted the undernoted application.

In the case of this application, the Committee noted that application had been made to replace five existing wheelchair accessible vehicles with five electric saloon vehicles and that a request with regard to tinted windows had also been made.

The Committee noted that these requests were outwith policy.

The Committee gave consideration to the application.

Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf, the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Principal General Services Officer and the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be refused.

V HOUSING SCOTLAND ACT 2006

(a) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - OVERPROVISION REPORTS

There were submitted reports detailing the level of HMO provision in the relevant localities in respect of the undernoted applications.

The Committee noted the content of the reports.

(b) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - NEW APPLICATIONS

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

In the case of Application No 1, the Committee agreed that consideration of this application be held in the private part of the agenda.

In the case of Application Nos 2 and 3, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, the Committee agreed that the applications be granted.

In the case of Application No 4, having heard a representative of the Housing Department and an agent on behalf of the applicant, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application No 5, reference was made to Article V(a) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 5th March, 2015, wherein it was agreed to defer consideration of the application to this meeting to facilitate a site visit during the intervening period at the locality of the property referred to in the application.

The Committee noted that the site visit had taken place on 23rd March, 2015 by members of the Committee in the company of the representative of the Housing Department, the Legal Officer, agents for the applicant and that the objectors had declined the opportunity to attend due to other commitments. There was submitted the original letter of objection from a member of the public relevant to this application.

The Committee noted that the objectors to this application were not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter of objection. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application Nos 6 to 16, the Committee agreed that consideration of these applications be deferred to a future meeting of the Committee.

(c) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - RENEWAL APPLICATIONS

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

In the case of Application Nos 1 to 10 and 12 to 19, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, the Committee agreed that the applications be granted.

In the case of Application No 11, having heard a representative of the Housing Department and a representative on behalf of the applicants, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application No 23, the Committee noted the objector to this application was not present. The Committee gave consideration to the letter of objection which had been submitted by a member of the public. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the applications be granted.

In the case of Application No 20, the Committee gave consideration to the letter of objection which had been submitted by a member of the public relevant to this application. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, the objector, an agent on behalf of the applicant, the representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

In the case of Application No 21, the Committee noted that the objector to this application was not present. The Committee gave consideration to the letter of objection which had been submitted by a member of the public. Thereafter, having heard the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that consideration of the application be deferred.

In the case of Application No 22, the Committee noted that the objector to this application was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. The Committee gave consideration to the letter of objection which had been submitted by a member of the public. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, an agent on behalf of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted.

(d) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - UPDATE

Reference was made to Article IV(a) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 6th March, 2014, wherein the Committee agreed to grant the application but to recall the matter in 12 months' time for an update from the Private Sector Services Manager on the operation of the licence.

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 from the Housing Department, 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.

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

(a) REQUESTS FOR HEARINGS

(i) There was submitted a letter of information from the Housing Department relevant to the registration of Mr D B as a landlord.

The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, the Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr D B to be registered as a landlord.

(ii) There was submitted a letter of information from the Housing Department relevant to the registration of Mr M S as a landlord.

The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, the Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr M S to be registered as a landlord.

(b) HEARINGS

(i) Reference was made to Article VII(b)(i) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 5th March 2015, wherein it was agreed to hold a suspension hearing in relation to the fitness of Mr E A during the currency of his registration as a landlord.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Private Sector Services Manager relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr E A during the currency of his registration as a landlord.

The Committee noted that the landlord was not present. Thereafter, having heard the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the hearing be adjourned until the meeting of the Committee to be held on 30th April, 2015 to allow the landlord to be present.

(ii) Reference was made to Article VII(b)(iii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 5th March 2015, wherein it was agreed to hold a suspension hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr S P during the currency of his registration as a landlord.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Private Sector Services Manager relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr S P during the currency of his registration as a landlord.

The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Housing Department, the landlord on their own behalf, the representative of the Chief Constable, and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer and consideration of a letter of support which had been tabled by the landlord and retained by the landlord after the Committee had considered the contents, the Committee agreed that no further action be taken.

(iii) Reference was made to Article VII(b)(ii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 5th March 2015, wherein it was agreed that a hearing be held in relation to the fitness of Mr R W to be registered as a landlord.

The Committee noted that the landlord was not present. Thereafter, having heard the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the hearing be adjourned to the meeting of this Committee to be held on 30th April, 2015 to allow the landlord to be present.

VII CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

(a) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATIONS

(i) There was submitted an application by Mr N A for a Taxi Driver's Licence.

There was submitted a letter of representation from the Chief Constable relevant to this application. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer and receiving confirmation that the applicant had now passed their street test, the Committee agreed that the application be granted for a period of six months subject to a medical certificate being received to the satisfaction of the Licensing Office and that an update on the operation of the licence be provided after the six month period.

(ii) Reference was made to Article VI(d)(i) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 6th November, 2014, wherein the Committee agreed to grant the application by Mr M J for a Taxi Driver's Licence and that an update be provided at this meeting of the Committee.

There was submitted the original letter of representation from the Chief Constable relevant to this application. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. 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 consideration of the application be deferred until the meeting of this Committee to be held on 30th April, 2015 to allow the applicant to be present.

(iii) There was submitted an application by Mr S S for a Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence.

The Committee noted that the UK Border Agency had indicated that Mr S S's visa would expire on 27th November, 2015. Thereafter, having heard the Principal General Services Officer and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted until 26th November, 2015.

(b) TAXI DRIVER LICENCE REQUEST TO RECALL SUSPENSION HEARING

Reference was made to Article II(c)(ii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 25th July, 2013, wherein it was agreed to suspend the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr J C with immediate effect for the unexpired portion of the licence.

There was submitted a request by Mr J C for the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence to be recalled.

The Committee gave consideration to the matter.

Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to recall the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence pending the review of the medical fitness requirements for taxi drivers.

(c) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - SUSPENSION HEARING

(i) Reference was made to Article II(a) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 10th March, 2015, wherein Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr R B was suspended with immediate effect and it was agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr R B to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr R B during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, an agent on behalf of the licence holder and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing until the meeting of this Committee to be held on 30th April, 2015 and to recall the suspension of the Taxi Drivers Licence held by Mr R B with immediate effect.

(ii) Reference was made to Article VIII(b)(vii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 5th March, 2015, wherein it was agreed to continue the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr D C with immediate effect and to adjourn the hearing in relation to the fitness of Mr D C to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence to the meeting.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr D C during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter.

Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration and advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to note that no further action was required as the driving licence held by Mr D C was forfeit to the Crown.

(iii) Reference was made to Article II(a) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 27th February, 2015, wherein the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr I MacP was suspended with immediate effect and it was agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr I MacP to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr I MacP during the currency of his Taxi Driver'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 to adjourn the hearing until the meeting of this Committee to be held in September, 2015 to await the outcome of court proceedings and to recall the suspension of the Taxi Drivers Licence held by Mr I MacP with immediate effect.

(iv) Reference was made to Article II(a) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 5th March, 2015, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the fitness of Mr D S to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Environmental Compliance Manager relative to the alleged conduct of Mr D S during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and agreed to adjourn the hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr D S during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence until the meeting of this Committee to be held on 30th April, 2015 to allow the licence holder to be present.

(v) Reference was made to Article VIII(c) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 5th March, 2015, wherein it was agreed to continue the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr S T with immediate effect to await the report from OHSAS on the fitness of Mr S T to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr S T during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letters.

Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr S T during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence until the meeting of this Committee to be held on 30th April, 2015 and to recall the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr S T during the intervening period with immediate effect.

(d) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - NEW APPLICATION

Reference was made to Article V(b) of the minute of this meeting, wherein it was agreed to consider the applications submitted by Ms F D for a Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence in the private part of the agenda.

There was submitted an application by Ms F D for a Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence. There were submitted letters of objection from a member of the public and the Private Sector Services Manager relevant to this application. The Committee noted that the member of the public who had objected to this application was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. The Committee gave consideration to the letters of objection which had been submitted. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Housing Department, the applicant on their own behalf, a representative on behalf of the applicant, the representative of the Chief Constable, the Principal General Services Officer and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer and a letter of support which had been tabled by the applicant, Councillor Bowes, seconded by Councillor Hunter, moved that the application be granted, subject to the son of the applicant being named as the managing agent and for the matter to be recalled in six months' time for an update on the operation of the licence.

As an amendment Councillor Lynn, seconded by Councillor Bidwell, moved that the application be granted subject to the son being named as the managing agent and that the matter not be called back for an update on the operation of the licence.

On a division, there voted for the motion - Councillors Hunter and Bowes (2); and for the amendment - Councillors Lynn and Bidwell (2) - there being a parity of votes as Councillor Black was not present the Convener agreed to use his casting vote in favour of the motion - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

At a MEETING of the LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 27th February, 2015.

APPENDIX I

Present:-

Councillor Stewart HUNTER

Councillor Kevin CORDELL

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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

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

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr I MacP 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, the Sub-Committee agreed that the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr I MacP be suspended with immediate effect and that a suspension hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr I MacP 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 5th March, 2015.

APPENDIX II

Present:-

Councillor Stewart HUNTER

Councillor Kevin CORDELL

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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

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

There was submitted a letter of information from the Environmental Compliance Manager relative to the conduct of Mr D S during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having considered the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub-Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr D S 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 10th March, 2015.

APPENDIX Ill

Present:-

Councillor David BOWES

Councillor Alan ROSS

Councillor Ken LYNN

Councillor David BOWES, Depute 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 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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

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

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr R B during the currency of his Taxi Drivers Licence.

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the representative of the Chief Constable, the Sub-Committee agreed that the Taxi Drivers Licence held by Mr R B be suspended with immediate effect and that a suspension hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr R B to be the holder of a Taxi Drivers Licence.

David BOWES, Depute Convener.

At a MEETING of the LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 16th March, 2015.

APPENDIX IV

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 items 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 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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

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

(i) There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr J H 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 the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr J H be suspended with immediate effect and that a suspension hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr J H 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 C S 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 the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr C S be suspended with immediate effect and that a suspension hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr C S 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 17th March, 2015.

APPENDIX V

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 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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

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

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relative to the alleged conduct of Mr M I 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 the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr M I be suspended with immediate effect and that a suspension hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr M I to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.