The Licensing Sub-Committee of Aberdeenshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of licensing matters, including a proposed public procession, a review of taxi fares, and an application for a street trader's licence. The meeting also included items related to taxi driver licences that were to be considered in private.

Notice of Proposal to Hold a Procession

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration of a notice submitted by the Dunnottar Martyrs Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge Number 1685 for a public procession scheduled for Saturday, 27 June 2026. The proposed route was from Baird Park to the road junction leading to the old Stonehaven radio building, with an expected 70 participants and the Newmains Loyalist Flute Band. The report pack detailed the legal background for considering public processions under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, highlighting the need to assess potential impacts on public safety, public order, damage to property, and disruption to the community, as well as the burden on the police.

Extensive public representations were received, with the vast majority expressing concern. Key themes from these concerns included the risk of disorder, clashes with counter-protests, intimidation of specific communities, strain on policing resources, and the unsuitability of Stonehaven's town centre for such an event. Ward councillors, including Councillor Dawn Black and Councillor Sarah Dickinson, submitted detailed comments expressing significant opposition, citing historical tensions, potential for antisocial behaviour, and the burden on police resources. Councillor Alan Turner also raised concerns about disruption to the community, damage to property, and the burden on the police.

Police Scotland provided a representation outlining potential public disorder, public safety concerns, and disruption to the community. They noted the significant policing operation that would be required and suggested several conditions to mitigate risks, including restrictions on playing music near places of worship and ensuring adequate stewarding.

Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 - Taxi Fare Scale Review

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the taxi fare scale, a statutory obligation that occurs every 18 months. The report detailed the consultation process with representatives of the taxi trade, which concluded on 2 April 2026, with 35 responses received. The majority of respondents indicated that no changes were required to the current scale, citing the cost of living crisis and existing high fares as reasons. However, a significant proportion of respondents indicated that trade was poor and that they always charged the full metered fare.

Proposals for changes to various elements of the fare scale were presented, including adjustments to charging distances, standard, late-night, and festive season rates, as well as waiting period charges, multi-passenger surcharges, booking fees, and unacceptable mess charges. The report outlined the mean average of proposed increases for each element, with many respondents seeking uplifts to cover increasing operating costs and licensing fees. The report also noted the low level of participation in the consultation, suggesting that the trade might be generally content with the current scale. The next stage of the process would involve public consultation on any proposed changes.

Application for Renewal of a Street Trader's Licence (Case 1127)

The Sub-Committee was to consider an application for the renewal of a street trader's licence by Mr Peter Croome, who operates a food van selling ice cream, drinks, and sweets. Officers had chosen not to exercise their delegated authority to grant the renewal due to a lack of clarity and certainty regarding the proposed trading locations and operating arrangements. The applicant had listed numerous towns and villages across Aberdeenshire, but without specific street names or days of operation for each location, officers found the application insufficiently defined.

Consultations with various services, including Police Scotland, Planning, Roads & Infrastructure, and Landscape Services, were detailed. While most had no objections, Roads & Infrastructure noted the lack of specific street locations, and Landscape Services stated that if trading was proposed in open spaces or parks, more detail would be required. The report outlined the legal test for refusing or granting a street trader's licence, which requires the Sub-Committee to be satisfied that specific grounds for refusal apply, such as the applicant not being a fit and proper person, or the activity causing undue public nuisance or a threat to public order or safety.

Items for Consideration with Press and Public Excluded

The agenda indicated that two items were to be considered with the press and public excluded due to the likely disclosure of confidential information. These were an application for the grant of a taxi driver's licence (Case 1126) and the consideration of the suspension of a taxi driver's licence and vehicle licence (Case 1128).

Public Sector Equality Duty

As with all council meetings, members were reminded of their legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those with protected characteristics. They were also directed to consider any Integrated Impact Assessments provided within reports.