The Cheltenham Borough Council Licensing Sub-Committee - Miscellaneous is scheduled to meet on 1 October 2025. The meeting will include a discussion of a public question regarding the recent cancellation of the Cheltenham Tribute Festival, and a review of hackney carriage driver licences. The committee may also discuss any other urgent items that Councillor Dr David Willingham, Mayor determines require a decision.

Cheltenham Tribute Festival

The committee will consider a public question about the recent cancellation of the Cheltenham Tribute Festival. The question raises two concerns: that many ticket holders did not receive a full refund, with an 'admin fee' deducted; and the timing of the licence hearing, which was scheduled for only two days before the event.

The question asks whether the Licensing Committee will consider whether the combination of an apparent late application process and the withholding of part of refunds demonstrates a wider pattern of poor management, and ensure such concerns are fully weighed in any future licence applications.

The provided answer states that any future licensing applications will be subject to the same application, consultation, and determination criteria as an application from any other party. It also notes that if a relevant objection is received regarding a wider pattern of poor management – then a committee hearing will be required and committee members will need to be satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated sufficient evidence to alleviate these concerns if a licence is to be issued. A relevant objection must be made against one of the four licensing objectives:

• Prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• Prevention of public nuisance
• Protection of children from harm

Review of Hackney Carriage Driver's Licence

The committee is scheduled to review three hackney carriage driver's licences. The report pack indicates that the public will be excluded from the meeting for these agenda items, as it is likely that exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972, will be disclosed. The specific exemptions relate to information about individuals and information that is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.