The General Licensing Committee of Swansea Council convened on 15 August 2025, under the chairmanship of Councillor Penny Matthews, to address several licensing matters. The committee resolved to exclude the public to discuss these matters. They then made decisions regarding hackney carriage and private hire driver licenses, ultimately revoking two licenses and refusing one application.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licenses

The committee addressed three cases related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licenses, all under the purview of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. The council's adopted guidance was referenced in the decision-making process, specifically points 3.29, 4.14, 4.17, 4.19, 4.26, 4.35 and 4.45.

CJFF

The committee considered the case of CJFF, whose Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence was ultimately revoked. CJFF, accompanied by CJ, a Trade Union Representative, presented their case and answered questions from the committee members. However, the committee concluded that CJFF was not a safe, suitable, or fit person to hold a personal license, aligning with council guidance. The committee also stated that they:

did not hear any exceptional circumstances or justifiable reasons to depart from guidance point 3.29.

CCF

The committee also addressed the case of CCF, and subsequently revoked CCF's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence. CCF explained the circumstances relating to the matter and answered questions from both the committee members and council officers. Ultimately, the committee concluded that CCF did not meet the standards of a safe, suitable, and fit person to hold a personal license, in accordance with council guidelines. The committee also stated that they:

did not hear any exceptional circumstances or justifiable reasons to depart from guidance point 3.29.

WI

Finally, the committee reviewed an application from WI for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence, which was ultimately refused. WI explained the circumstances relating to the matter and answered questions from the committee members. The committee determined that WI was not a safe, suitable, or fit person to hold a personal license, consistent with council guidance. The committee also stated that they:

did not hear any exceptional circumstances or justifiable reasons to depart from guidance point 3.29.

Exclusion of the Public

The committee voted to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of the licensing matters. This decision was based on the likelihood of disclosing exempt information as defined in paragraph 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information)(Variation)(Wales) Order 2007. The committee also affirmed that they had considered the Public Interest Test before excluding the public.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the previous General Licensing Committee meeting held on 18 July 2025 were approved as a correct record.