To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Frankie Evans, Graham Morgan, Terry Hale, Len Lawton, David Thomson.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2011 (attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on the 12 January 2011 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

The chairman to identify any items of urgent business.

There were no urgent business on this occasion.

To receive any declarations of interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting.  Members and officers are requested to identify the nature of the interest and indicate whether it is personal or prejudicial.

There were no declarations of interest.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer to present report E.31, Licensing Committee Update.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer presented report E.31, Licensing update.

The chairman asked the members if they had read the Licensing Update, she read out the summary and, briefly read through the update page by page.

The following questions were raised by Licensing members.

Councillor Roy Birch, referred to the Community Safety Roadshow which was organised by the police and enquired if the Roadshow was only held at Newent and Coleford as Tidenham always seems to be left out.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, replied that the department had only been invited to Newent and Coleford roadshows and was not sure which other areas the roadshow visited.

Councillor Keith Aburrow enquired if there were any Dangerous Wild Animals establishments in the district.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that there were two wild animal licensed premises in the district.

Councillor Birch enquired how was the National Lottery was licensed.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer informed the committee the lottery had its own separate legislation and premises had to be appointed to sell lottery tickets.

Councillor Keith Aburrow enquired how the European Service Directive worked and what sort of applications were sought.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, replied the usual licences applied for online were Temporary Event Notices he explained that it could be quite troublesome the first time an applicant applied online however, once set up it became easier to apply for a licence.

Councillor Andrew Gardiner, commented that it seems unusual that outside applicants can apply for a licence, how does the team know it’s a genuine applicant when applicants apply online.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that online applications are dealt with in the same way as post application and there were safeguards in place.

Councillor Max Coborn referred to Hackney Carriage Rank and stated that the taxi rank in Cinderford was used by taxis only at night and not in the daytime, he further asked if taxis were spot checked .

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, informed the meeting that she had occasionally accompanied the police in the evening to spot check taxis, if anyone was found breaking the law they were dealt with in the appropriate way.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, replied that the council do not normally use vehicles over five years, however, in some circumstances the council have permitted licences for older vehicles if they were in good condition and if there was a good business reason eg if the vehicle had a wheel chair lift.

Councillor James Bevan enquired if there was any criteria for applying for taxi rank as Lydney did not have a taxi rank.

Heather, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, replied that the council are duty bound to follow any requests regarding taxi ranks, the highways and police authorities also have an input.

The chairman Jane Horne drew members attention to the Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer to present report E.32 relating to Licence Fees 2011-2012.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, presented report E.32, Licence Fees 2011-2012.

The chairman Jane Horne explained to the committee that Licence Fees were reviewed annually and any increases took effect from 1 April each year.

Councillor Roy Birch enquired who had overseen the Licensing Audit.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, replied that South West Audit Partnership administered the Licensing Audit.

Councillor Keith Aburrow asked what would a Single Administration fee apply to.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised a Single Administration Fee could apply to an inspection on animals or vet fees, as in some cases the council cannot recovery the charge.

Councillor Max Coborn asked this council was responsible for road closures in the district.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that this council administers applications for road closure for fetes and carnivals in the district, the Licensing Team have a duty to notify the police, and the highways authority however, the county council would be organising the road closures in the district for the royal wedding on 29 April 2011.

Claire Childs, Assistant Solicitor advised that road closures for special events, in this district are administered by this council but can also be administered by the county council.  There were special provisions in place for utility companies wishing to close roads they were also arranged by the county council.

Councillor Carole Allaway Martin, was concerned with the road closures which were due to take place in Coleford, she asked if there would be signage up to notify the public on diversions and on the length of time the roads would be closed.

Claire Childs, Assistant Solicitor advised that the County Council Highways arranged the road closures in Coleford, the appropriate signage should specify the diversion. Whilst the public notice usually states the length of time the road is expected to be closed, the closure usually has an additional period of time in case the work ran over.

Councillor Keith Aburrow asked if acupuncture was included in cosmetic piercing and skin colouring as it was a medical procedure and whether a licence was required.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that acupuncture carried out at a medical practice did not require a licence.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that a fee is charged for the premises registration and a separate fee for each operator.  A photo-card operators badge is issued, this permits the operator to take their registration with them to work in another salon within the district.

The chairman Jane Horne announced that there were increased charges with the Dog Breeding Licences.

Councillor Andrew Gardiner believed in some ways breeding premises should have prohibits on breeding of dogs.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that once a establishment had a licence it was easier for the council to control the breeding.

The chairman Jane Horne stated that it was very important for Dog Breeding premises to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer to present report LD.33. relating to Hackney Carriage Fares 2011-2012.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, presented report E.33, Hackney Carriage Fares 2011-2012.

The Chairman Jane Horne, stated that this council sets some of the lowest fees in the county.

Frank Russell, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, advised that the council is aware of the rising costs of fuel and insurance prices, and believes its essential that licensed operators are able to run their businesses, therefore the fares set by the council are the maximum rate a taxi can charge, the council recommended that the sums be increased by 4%.

Councillor Roy Birch remarked that he was very happy with the report, he also enquired if the Licensing Team used RIPPA.

Heather Lucas, Senior Environmental Protection and Licensing Officer, replied that they had used RIPPA once or twice.

Councillor Max Coborn proposed the recommendation and Councillor Keith Aburrow seconded the proposal, all members were in favour of the recommendations.

RESOLVED TO:

a)     To adopt and advertise hackney carriage fares as listed in annex A for 2011-2012 commencing on 1 April 2011, subject to no objections from the public.