Agenda and minutes

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 25 March 2025.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 25 March 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the Minutes of the following meetings of the Licensing and Appeals Committee sitting as a Panel:

·        14 March 2025 in respect of a Premises Licence Hearing

·        24 March 2025 in respect of a Premises Licence Hearing

·        28 April 2025 in respect of two taxi hearings

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meetings of the Licensing and Appeals Committee sitting as a Panel held on 14 March 2025, 24 March 2025 and 28 April 2025 be received and noted.  

Members are invited to review the current maximum Hackney Carriage fares that may be charged, following a petition received from licensed drivers.

Following a formal request for a review of current hackney carriage fares received from licensed drivers on 28 April 2025 (attached at Annex 1), Members considered the maximum fare that could be charged.

During discussion, due regard was given to the views of Hackney Carriage Drivers, Dual Drivers and Hackney Carriage Proprietors.  Concern was expressed about the impact on vulnerable passengers, especially the elderly, of the proposed fare increase.  However, the need for a balance between driver’s needs and user affordability was recognised.  It was also understood that the proposals related to the maximum charges and drivers could charge less if they chose.

After careful consideration,  Cllr Coffin proposed that the fares be increased as set out in the report on the grounds of supporting drivers in maintaining a sustainable business. This was seconded by Cllr Tunstall and supported by the majority of the Committee.

RESOLVED: That, subject to no objection being received during the statutory public consultation period, the table of Hackney Carriage fares, as set out in 7.1 of the report, be agreed with effect from 1 August 2025.

The report provides details of the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.  Members are asked to discuss the important safeguarding issue and to consider a number of recommendations.

The report of the Director of Central Services proposed that all licensees within Tonbridge and Malling should train their staff on the ‘Ask for Angela’ Scheme.  The initiative was intended to keep people safe from vulnerable situations by using a codeword to identify when they felt unsafe or threatened.

Attention was drawn to the proposed text to be included in the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030 (attached at Annex 1).  This outlined the safety measures to be put in place by licensees.

Members recognised the importance of ensuring licensed premises staff were adequately trained so that they could respond appropriately and for posters to be visible and accessible.

Subject to a few minor points around ensuring posters were visibly displayed and changing emphasis from ‘should’ to ‘will’, Cllr Williams proposed that on the grounds of improving safety in pubs and bars the Scheme be included in the licensing policy.    This was seconded by Cllr Tunstall and supported unanimously.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             Subject to a few minor points summarised above, the draft text to be included in the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030(attached at Annex 1) be approved; and

(2)             the poster (attached at Annex 2) be distributed to holders of premises licences and club premises certificate under the Licensing Act 2023.

Members are asked to approve the draft Statement of consultation and recommend the Statement to Full Council for adoption.

Further to Minute LA 25/4, the report of the Director of Central Services indicated that the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 – 2030 had been issued for public consultation from 1 April to 25 May 2025.  As a result of which 1 response had been received asking for details of the ‘Ask Angela’ Scheme to be included. 

A copy of the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy was attached at Annex 1 to the report.  A copy of the consultation response was shown at Annex 2.

Cllr Williams proposed that the Licensing Policy be adopted as set out in Annex 1 and to include the Ask for Angela Scheme.  This was seconded by Cllr Coffin and supported by the Committee.

 *RECOMMENDED:  That the draft Statement of Licensing Policy set out at Annex 1 to the report be adopted by the Council.

*Recommended to Council

Whilst not an urgent item of business,  Members acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Anthony Garnett (Head of Licensing, Community Safety and Customer Services) and expressed gratitude for his contribution and support over the years.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.