notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He then outlined the procedure that would be followed.

change of membership

Following apologies received from Councillor Mick Constable, the membership of this Sub-Committee was as follows: Councillors Derek Conway, Lesley Ingham and Jean Willicombe.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

review of a hackney carriage driver's licence

The Chairman explained that the purpose of the meeting was for Members to consider whether Mr John Whiting, a Hackney Carriage Driver, was a fit and proper person to hold a Hackney Carriage Driver's Licence following details of an offence of violence committed on 13th January 2011.

Mr Whiting presented his case. He outlined events that led-up to the incident and stated that he considered that he had acted in self-defence. Mr Whiting apologised for his behaviour and stated that he would be prepared to report to the Hackney Carriage Inspector on a fortnightly basis so his behaviour could be monitored. He circulated copies of his statement and two letters of support to Members.

The Head of Service Delivery reported that following receipt of information from Kent Police about the incident, they had consulted SBC's legal section and decided to suspend Mr Whiting's licence on 26th January 2011 pending today's hearing.

Members asked questions which Mr Whiting answered.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:15 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Assistant Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer returned at 10:40 am.

The Chairman advised that they would not revoke Mr Whiting's licence. However, they were extremely concerned about his aggressive behaviour and would have had no hesitation in suspending his licence for a given period, but were mindful that he had already served a period of suspension from 26th January 2011, and therefore did not propose a further suspension.

The Chairman stated that in order to monitor Mr Whiting's behaviour given the nature of his work, the Committee wished to accept Mr Whiting's offer to meet with the Hackney Carriage Inspector. They advised that he was required to meet once every two weeks with the Hackney Carriage Inspector for a minimum of six months, or until such time as the Hackney Carriage Inspector deemed necessary.