Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Rhoda Bailey, L Gilbert and A D Ranfield.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests in any item on the agenda

None.

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a total period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the Committee on any matter relevant to the work of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers.

If a member of the public wishes to ask a question of the Chairman, at least 3 clear working days‘ notice must be given in writing to the Democratic Services Manager, in order that an informed answer may be given.

(This item was considered after minute no 79).

In accordance with Procedure Rules 11 and 35, two representatives from the Taxi Trade indicated that they wished to address the Committee on behalf of the trade in relation to a number of taxi licensing issues.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2009.

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee meetings held on 5 November 2009, 12 November 2009, 23 November 2009, 26 November 2009 and 16 December 2009.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee meetings held on 5 November 2009 (1.00pm), 12 November 2009 (10.00am), 23 November 2009 (1.00pm), 26 November 2009 (10.00am) and 16 December 2009 (1.00pm) be approved as correct records.

To consider a request to authorise the Licensing Manager to carry out a consultation exercise relating to the policy of limiting the number of hackney carriages within the Congleton zone of the Council's area.

The Committee considered a report outlining the details of the current position in relation to the limit on the numbers of Hackney Carriage Licences within the Congleton zone (zone 1).  The Committee was requested to give approval to the consultation exercise in relation to the policy.

RESOLVED

That the Licensing Committee authorise the Licensing Manager to carryout a consultation exercise, as set out within the report, relating to the policy of limiting the number of Hackney Carriages within the Congleton zone of the Council’s area.

To consider proposed changes to the licensing scheme of delegation.

The Committee considered a report outlining changes to the Licensing scheme of delegation to take account of the ‘minor variations’ process introduced by the Legislative Reform (Minor Variations to Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates) Order 2009.

RESOLVED

That the Licensing Committee delegate the power to determine applications under sections 41A-C and 86A-C of the Licensing Act 2003, including cases where relevant representations are received and not withdrawn, to the Head of Safer and Stronger Communities.