The South Hams Licensing Committee convened to decide on a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver licence application. The committee reviewed the applicant's suitability based on the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the council's licensing policy, ultimately resolving to refuse the application. The committee also approved the minutes from previous meetings held on 4 March 2025, 20 March 2025 and 29 May 2025.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence Application

The committee considered an exempt report regarding an application for a joint Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence. The decision was made to refuse the licence.

The committee noted that the main priority of the licensing regime is to ensure public safety, and that the onus was on the applicant to prove that they were a fit and proper person to hold a joint Private Hire and Hackney Carriage driver's licence.

The committee stated that their decision was based on the fact that:

Whilst having sympathy with your situation and the circumstances described, the Committee took the view that the information presented did not establish exceptional circumstances sufficient to warrant a deviation from the Council's policy given the relatively short period of time since your driving licence was restored to you.

The committee noted that the decision did not prevent the applicant from applying again in the future.

The council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Criminal Convictions Policy ¹ offers guidance on the criteria considered when determining whether an applicant is a 'fit and proper person' to hold a licence. The policy states that the licensing authority's prime aim is to protect the safety of the public, and to ensure that licensed individuals do not pose a threat.

Licensing Sub-Committee Decisions

The committee reviewed the minutes from two meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committee and one previous meeting of the Licensing Committee:

• 4 March 2025: The minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting were confirmed as a correct record. The committee also considered an application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence, and resolved to exclude the public and press from the meeting during the discussion of this item.
• 20 March 2025: The sub-committee considered an application to vary the premises licence of The Exchange, 1 Fore Street, Ivybridge, PL21 9AB. The application was made by Mr Guillaume Chipchase of the Stone Gate Group. The sub-committee resolved to grant the application, subject to the condition that direct contact details of the Designated Premises Supervisor² (DPS) be provided to neighbouring residents and prominently displayed in the premises.
• 29 May 2025: The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence at 3 – 4 Birdwood Court, Totnes, TQ9 5SG. The application was made by Harriet Thomas, Blue Rider Group Ltd. The sub-committee resolved to grant the application, subject to the condition that direct contact details of the DPS be provided to neighbouring residents and prominently displayed in the premises.