Licensing and Registration Panel

Thursday 11 January 2001 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors McCormick, McGraw, Morrison (D), Morrison (M) and Nimmo.

Chair:  Councillor Morrison (D) presided.

In attendance:  Mr G Douglas and Mr H McNeilly (for Director of Legal & Support Services).

Apologies:  Councillor Rebecchi.

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Panel.

16

Application for Taxi Licence - Dario Sassarini

16

There was submitted a report by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a Taxi Licence by Dario Sassarini who had omitted to make timeous application for his licence to be renewed before its expiry on 31 October 2000.  The report advised that Mr Sassarini's licence was granted following the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a).

Noted

17

Applications for Taxi Licences - Mrs Christina Easdale

17

There was submitted a report dated 21 December 2000 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on applications for the grant of five Taxi Licences by Mrs Christina Easdale, which had been previously considered by the Panel and refused at its meeting on 6 April 2000 (para 323).

The report advised that, following an appeal against the Council's refusal, the appeal had been upheld and that the Sheriff had remitted the application to the Council for re-consideration.  In the light of the Sheriff's judgment, the report also recommended that all decisions of the Panel should be taken in public.

The Panel heard Mr Robert Henderson QC in support of the applications.

Decided:

(1)  that all motions and decisions by the Panel be taken in public;  and

(2)  that the applications for five Taxi Licences by Mrs Christina Easdale be granted.

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

Item

Paragraph(s)

Application for Taxi Driver's Licence - Charles Travers

6

Procedure with regard to "Spent" Convictions

12

Request for Suspension of Taxi Driver's Licence - Arthur Taggart

6

18

Application for Taxi Driver's Licence - Charles Travers

18

There was submitted a report dated 18 December 2000 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a Taxi Driver's Licence by Charles Travers following a representation by the Chief Constable that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence by virtue of his previous conduct.  The Panel heard Superintendent Gordon, Mr Ward (agent for the applicant) and Mr Travers.

Decided:  that the application be granted.

19

Procedure with regard to "Spent" Convictions

19

There was submitted a report dated 18 December 2000 by the Director of Legal & Support Services following a submission from the Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police on the procedures to be followed where an objection from the Chief Constable makes reference to "spent" convictions.

Decided:  that for future applications the decision as to whether the "spent" convictions of an applicant can be considered as part of an application are to be decided by the Panel.

20

Request for Suspension of Taxi Driver's Licence - Arthur Taggart

20

There was submitted a report dated 5 January 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services following the previous decision by the Panel on 23 November 2000 (para 1018) to continue the suspension of the licence held by Mr Arthur Taggart to allow him to be examined by the Council's Medical Adviser.

It was noted that Mr Taggart had failed to attend for a medical examination and was not present at the meeting.

Decided:  that the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr Arthur Taggart be suspended immediately for the remainder of its term, ie to 31 May 2001.