The Chairman will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures.

The Chairman will inform the meeting whether there is a planned evacuation drill due to take place, what the alarm sounds like (i.e. ringing bells), where the closest emergency exit route is, and where the second closest emergency exit route is, in the event that the closest exit or route is blocked.

The Chairman will inform the meeting that:

(a) in the event of the alarm sounding, everybody must leave the building via the nearest safe available exit and gather at the Assembly points at the far side of the Car Park; and

(b) the lifts must not be used in the event of an evacuation.

Any officers present at the meeting will aid with the evacuation.

It is important that the Chairman is informed of any person attending who is disabled or unable to use the stairs, so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Chairman outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 January 2016 (Minute Nos. 440 - 444) as a correct record.  Subject to the following amendment to Minute No. 444 (Proposed amendments to the Hackney Carriage and private hire control systems) resolution (5) be amended to read: (5) That an optional English Test for new drivers as and when required be introduced (with the removal of reference to paragraph 2.5 in the report).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 January 2016 (Minute Nos. 440 – 444) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to an amendment to Minute No. 444 as follows:

Resolution 5 be amended to read to remove reference to paragraph 2.5 in the report, to read “That an optional English Test for new drivers as and when required be introduced.”

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for  themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)          Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Director of Corporate Services as Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

The Council operates a scheme of public speaking at meetings of the General Licensing Committee.  Requests to speak at the meeting must be registered with Democratic Services by 4.30pm on Friday 1 July 2016 and must be related to an item on the agenda.  Each speaker has a maximum of three minutes to speak.

The Chairman advised that no requests to register to speak had been received. 

The Committee considered the report which gave an update on the transition of the Hackney Carriage function from Leisure and Technical Services to the Corporate Licensing Team; changes to the Knowledge Test; and asked Members to agree to under a review of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy in October. 

The Leisure and Technical Services Manager and the Senior Licensing Officer answered Members’ questions regarding the transfer of functions to the Licensing team.  Whilst there would no longer be a dedicated inspector, the Licensing Enforcement officers would be taking on this role meaning that there would be three officers instead of one, and one already had a wealth of experience in this field. 

The Leisure and Technical Services Manager also outlined the changes to the format of the Knowledge Test, and advised that implementation of an English Test would be considered as part of the proposed review of the policy in October; best practice in the industry would be considered.  He also confirmed that there would be consultation with Operators about changes to the policy, and that a draft policy would be brought to the Committee in October prior to it going out for consultation.  The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager advised that potential dates for an additional Committee meeting were 25 or 27 October. 

Resolved:

(1) That the summary of the transition of the Hackney Carriage function from Leisure and Technical Services to the Corporate Licensing Team be noted.

(2) That the changes made to the Knowledge Test format be agreed.

(3) That the Committee agrees that work is undertaken to review the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and options for combining with Swale Local Conditions; and that a new date is set for a General Licensing Committee meeting in October 2016.