Issue - meetings

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) introduced the report and its author, the Licensing and Enforcement Officer to Members, as it was her first attendance at the Committee.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) drew Members attention to the key areas of the report. He said that there had only been one complaint regarding a premises licence in Quarter 4 - which related to a member of bar staff indecently exposing herself. He said that Enforcement Officers had visited the premises and had given management advice regarding this matter.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that there had been fourteen complaints relating to Private Hire and Hackney Carriage vehicles during the period, which had all been resolved, and which related to:

·             Careless driving.

·             Refusal to allow a passenger to make payment via card machine.

·             Damaged or faulty rooflights. 

·             Drivers licenced to another authority operating around Bishop’s Stortford Train Station. 

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that there had been three complaints regarding street trading in the quarter, and following action from Enforcement Officers two traders now had the correct licence in place. He said that an ice cream vendor had been spoken to regarding his proximity to school locations. Members were advised that there had been two complaints received regarding pavement licences, which both related to the storage of furniture on the highway when not in use. 

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that again, these complaints had been investigated and were resolved. He added that all key performance indicators had been met. 

The Chair thanked the Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) for the report. 

Councillor Cox asked if there was evidence of drivers licensed in Wolverhampton operating in East Herts.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that there were such drivers in East Herts, as Wolverhampton applications were cheaper and only required applicants to be seen once. He said that East Herts had drivers licenced by other authorities, such as Uttlesford within the area, which was not illegal.

Councillor Deffley asked if the transfer of premises licences was being used as a way to avoid enforcement.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) said that this was generally not the case. 

It was moved by Councillor Smith and seconded by Councillor Marlow that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that Members review and comment on the Licensing activity from the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 financial year (01 January 2025 – 31 March 2025).