Institute of Licensing Publish Updated Suitability Guidance for Licensing Authorities

The Institute of Licensing has published updated guidance for licensing authorities when considering the suitability of applicants and licensed holders for taxi and private hire driver, operator and vehicle proprietor licences.

The latest guidance replaces the guidance originally published by the Institute in April 2018 and LLG are delighted to endorse this revised guidance to the sector.

Stephen Turner, our Licensing Lead has worked substantially hard on this guidance with the Institute as the Suitability Working Group Chair examining this matter.   

Stephen said in relation to the updated Guidance “it is intended to inform those who regulate the hackney and private hire trades. It has been produced following extensive consultation with and consideration of the views of the regulators and the trades. It is hoped that many licensing authorities will adopt it and use it to assist in their decision-making in order to deliver their duty to protect the public.”

He went on “I am delighted that LLG has been able once again to endorse the Guidance and I commend it to all licensing lawyers so that they will advise their authorities to adopt it within their policies as soon as practical'

The full list of group members were as follows: -

Stephen Turner, Solicitor at Hull City Council (Working Group Chair)

Phil Bates, Licensing Manager, Southampton City Council

Ellie Birch, IoL Executive Assistant

James Button, James Button & Co Solicitors

Linda Cannon, former Licensing Manager, Basingstoke Council

Yvonne Lewis, Licensing Manager, City & County of Swansea

John Miley, former Licensing Manager (Broxtowe Council) and National Chair for NALEO

Sue Nelson, IoL Executive Officer

Professor James Treadwell, Professor of Criminology, Staffordshire University