Issue - meetings

The Licensing Enforcement Officer introduced the report, highlighting the key points within it, which gave Members an overview of the Licensing activity from the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. It was noted that the quarter historically saw an increase in complaints - due better weather meaning more open doors and windows.

Members were given further information about the service request at the Blackbirds Public House - were a fire exit being padlocked had been witnessed by officers, and assurance of the Department’s excellent working relationship with the Fire Authority. 

The Licensing Enforcement Officer and the Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) answered questions relating to complaints (including persistent ‘hot spots’), licence monitoring, taxi and private hire vehicle maintenance, street trading and risks.

Members heard that there was not a general pattern to complaints, with swift intervention when they were received leading to compliance. It was explained that complaints (including those which came via the Council website) were filtered by staff to ensure that they were directed to the correct department - with Licensing and Environmental Health using the same software.

Members were told that licences were monitored to ensure compliance, with the Police pivotal for information sharing. It was noted that ‘hot spots’ – such as Bishop’s Stortford Train Station and its taxi rank, were problematic due to its location/operation and not repeat offenders.  

Members heard that, as discussed during Agenda Item 7, taxi and private hire vehicle maintenance was of a good standard with no current concerns regarding the fleet. In relation to street trading - officers again echoed their comments from Agenda Item 7, with assurance given that action was taken against unlicenced traders swiftly, or immediately if dangerous/ nuisance. It was also confirmed that the ‘risks’ relating to large volume festival events and premises with pavement furniture and no public liability insurance remained at Quarter 2. 

It was moved by Councillor Cox and seconded by Councillor Redfern 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 thesecond quarter of the 2025-26 financial year (01 July 2025 – 30 September 2025).