Agenda Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 10/12/2025

North Ayrshire Council · 10 December 2025
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE
Licensing Committee
A Meeting of the Licensing Committee of North Ayrshire Council will be held in the
Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE on
Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 10:00 to consider the undernoted business.
Meeting Arrangements - Hybrid Meetings
This meeting will be held on a predominantly physical basis but with
provision, by prior notification, for remote attendance by Elected
Members in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government
(Scotland) Act 2003.  Where possible, the meeting will be live-streamed
and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public-
i.tv/core/portal/home. 
Licensing Exemption Para
Please note that, whilst the items on this Agenda are public documents,
consideration of some reports at the meeting may necessitate the passing
of a resolution to exclude from the meeting the press and public in terms of
Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
1 Declarations of Interest
Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in
respect of items of business on the Agenda.
2 Minutes
The accuracy of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Licensing Committee
held on 12 November 2025 will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in
accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government
(Scotland) Act 1973 (copy enclosed).
3 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and other Licensing statutes
:Licensing Matters
Submit report by the Head of Democratic Services on hearings to be
determined, all in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
(copy enclosed).
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE
4 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982: Taxi Fare Review
Submit report by the Head of Democratic Services to continue the Taxi
Fare Review (copy enclosed).
5 Taxi Drivers Standards of Dress
Submit report by the Head of Democratic Service to update on the
requirements for Taxi Drivers (copy enclosed).
6 Public Entertainment Resolution under the Civic Government
(Scotland) Act 1982
Submit report by the Head of Democratic Services to consider and
determine updated terms for the Council’s Public Entertainment Licence
(“PEL”) resolution under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
7 Urgent Items
Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent.
Webcasting
Please note: this meeting may be filmed/recorded/live-streamed to the
Council's internet site and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public-
i.tv/core/portal/home, where it will be capable of repeated viewing.  At the
start of the meeting, the Provost/Chair will confirm if all or part of the
meeting is being filmed/recorded/live-streamed.
You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the Data
Protection Act 2018.  Data collected during the webcast will be retained in
accordance with the Council’s published policy, including, but not limited
to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records
available via the Council’s internet site.
Generally, the press and public will not be filmed. However, by entering the
Council Chambers and using the press or public seating area, you
acknowledge that you may be filmed and that any information pertaining to
you contained in the video and oral recording of the meeting will be used
for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping
historical records and making those records available to the public. In
making this use of your information the Council is processing data which is
necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.
If you have any queries regarding this and, in particular, if you believe
that use and/or storage of any particular information would cause, or be
likely to cause, substantial damage or distress to any individual, please
contact dataprotectionofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE
Licensing Committee Sederunt
Eleanor Collier (Chair)
Nairn McDonald (Vice-Chair)
John Bell
Cameron Inglis
Christina Larsen
Jean McClung
Matthew McLean
Donald L. Reid
Ronnie Stalker
Angela Stephen
Chair:
Apologies:
Attending:
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Licensing Committee
12 November 2025 
IRVINE, 12 November 2025 - At a Meeting of the Licensing Committee of North
Ayrshire Council at 10.00 a.m. 
Present
Eleanor Collier, Cameron Inglis, Christina Larsen, Matthew McLean and Ronnie
Stalker. 
In Attendance
D. Grier, Solicitor (Legal Services); C. Pollock, Licensing Manager; and A. Kellas,
Administration Assistant (Licensing); and S. Wilson, Committee Services Officer
(Democratic Services) (Corporate Services). 
Also in Attendance 
Sergeant Stephen Gray and A. Dempster, Licensing Administrator (Police Scotland) 
Chair
Councillor Collier in the Chair. 
Apologies
Nairn Angus-McDonald, John Bell, Jean McClung, Donald L Reid and Angela
Stephen. 
1. Declarations of Interest 
There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11
and Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. 
2. Minutes 
The accuracy of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 8
October 2025 were confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph
7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 
3. Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and other Licensing statutes:
Licensing Matters 
3.1 Taxi Driver & Operator Licences: TDL/02558 : Dylan Sargent 
The applicant, having been duly cited to attend, was not present. 
Decision 
Councillor Collier, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved that the Committee
continue the application to a future meeting to allow the applicant the opportunity to
attend. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 
Agenda Item 2
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3.2 Taxi Driver & Operator Licences: TDL/02566 : Greg Davidson 
The applicant, having been duly cited to attend, was present. Representatives from
Police Scotland were in attendance. 
Police Scotland then addressed the Committee on the terms of a letter setting out
their objection. 
The applicant then addressed the Committee on the issues raised and responded to
questions. 
The Committee agreed that it had sufficient information available to allow it to make
a decision in respect of this matter. 
Decision 
Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Stalker, moved that the Committee grant
the Taxi Driver Licence subject to the necessary checks and approvals processes
undertaken by the Licensing Section. There being no amendment, the motion was
declared carried. 
Accordingly, the Committee unanimously agreed (a) that the grant of the Taxi Driver
Licence, be approved subject to the necessary checks and approvals processes
undertaken by the Licensing Section; and (b) to delegate authority to the Solicitor
(Licensing) to grant the application. 
3.3 Taxi Driver & Operator Licences: TDL/02211 : James Murray 
The licence-holder, having been duly cited to attend, was not present. Representatives
from Police Scotland were in attendance. 
Police Scotland addressed the Committee on the terms of a letter setting out their
objection. 
The Committee agreed that it had sufficient information available to allow it to make
a decision in respect of this matter. 
Decision 
Councillor Collier, seconded by Councillor Larsen moved that the application be
refused on the basis that the applicant was not considered to be a fit and proper
person to hold such a licence. As an amendment, Councillor McLean proposed that
the application be continued to a future meeting to allow the applicant the opportunity
to attend. There being so seconder, the amendment fell, and the motion was
declared carried. 
Accordingly, the Committee agreed to refuse the application on the basis that the
applicant was not considered to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. 
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3.4 Late Hours Catering License : LHCL/148 : DPRS Scot Ltd 
The applicant, having been duly cited to attend, was present and addressed the
Committee and responded to questions. 
The Committee agreed that it had sufficient information available to allow it to make
a decision in respect of this matter. 
Decision 
Councillor Stalker, seconded by Councillor McLean moved that application be
granted. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 
Accordingly, the Committee agreed to grant the Late Hours Catering Licence. 
4. Urgent Items 
There were no urgent items. 
The meeting ended at 10.30 a.m. 
The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at
https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
10 December 2025                                                                                                                                                            
Licensing Committee
Title: Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and other Licensing
statutes: Licensing Matters
Purpose: To advise the Committee of:
a) Hearings to be determined
Recommendation: 1) That the Committee should decide whether or not to make a
Resolution excluding the public from the meeting at which
any of the matters in this Report are to be considered;
2) That the Committee consider and determine the matters
before them.
1. Executive Summary
1.1 The Licensing Committee's remit is to exercise the Council's licensing functions. These
functions arise under many statutes, mainly the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Depending on the legislation and the circumstances of each individual case, the
Committee is entitled to grant, refuse, renew, vary, suspend and revoke Licences.
2. Background
2.1 The Committee’s business under the 1982 Act is as follows:
Appendix A  - Licences and Permits where Hearings have been convened
Exempt Information
2.2 The Committee will consider "Exempt Information" under the Local Government
(Scotland) Act 1973, Schedule 7A.  The information is covered by one or more of the
following categories of "Exempt Information" under Schedule 7A:
Paragraph 3: "Information relating to any particular applicant for, or recipient or former
recipient of, any service provided by the authority."
Paragraph 6: "Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular
person (other than the authority)."
Paragraph 14: "Any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, 
investigation or prosecution of crime."
Agenda Item 3
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Paragraph 15:  "The identity of a Protected Informant" - where "Protected Informant" is
defined in Part III as a person who informs the Local Authority about a
past, present or future crime, breach of statutory duty, breach of planning
control, or nuisance.
2.3 The details of the cases in the Appendix, with any relevant documents (such as letters
from the Police or objectors) are in the background papers given to Committee
Members and will be sent to the respective Applicants or Licence-Holders before the
Meeting.  The Schedules are excluded from the published Agenda under Local
Government (Scotland) Act 1973, Section 50B(2) and (5).  This has been done as the
Clerk considers that the meeting is likely not to be open to the public while those
Schedules are being considered, as they contain "Exempt Information".
2.4. The Committee is entitled, but not obliged, to make a Resolution excluding the public
from a meeting during consideration of an item of business whenever it is likely, in view
of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if
members of the public were present during consideration of that item of business there
would be disclosure to them of "Exempt Information" (Section 50A(4)).
2.5. For example:
Paragraph 3 could apply in relation to information or advice requested by a
member of the public.
Paragraph 6 could apply to a business activity (such as where an Applicant wants
a Licence for business or employment).
Paragraphs 14 or 15 could apply where it was alleged that there was criminal
conduct or anti-social behaviour committed by or against a Licence-Holder or
Applicant for a Licence, or where the Committee was told that any person had
committed a criminal offence (whether or not there had been concluded Court
proceedings).
2.6. Accordingly, if a Resolution is made:
(a) the publicly-accessible Minutes will exclude so much of the proceedings
during which the public were excluded (Section 50C);
(b) the Minutes will include a summary of the proceedings without disclosing
the ‘Exempt Information’ (Sections 50C(2) & 50C(1)(b)).
3. Proposals
3.1 It is proposed that the Committee consider and determine each of the listed cases in
accordance with the required procedure.
4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty
Financial
4.1 There are possible financial implications in relation to any Licensing decision.
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Human Resources
4.2 None
Legal
4.3 There are possible legal implications in relation to any licensing decision.  Depending
on the legislation, there may be a right of appeal.
Equality/Socio-economic
4.4 Equality Act 2010 imposes duties on the Council:
Section 1(1) ("Public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities"): the Council
"must, when making decisions of a strategic nature about how to exercise its
functions, have due regard to the desirability of exercising them in a way that is
designed to reduce the inequalities of outcome which result from socio-economic
disadvantage."
Section 149(1) ("Public sector equality duty"): the Council
"must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to -
(a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct
that is prohibited by or under [that Act];
(b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a "Relevant
Protected Characteristic" and persons who do not share it;
(c) foster good relations between persons who share a "Relevant Protected
Characteristic" and persons who do not share it."
The "Relevant Protected Characteristics" are: age; disability; gender
reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual
orientation. 
The Clerk has considered these Duties in preparing this Report and any specific impacts
will be evaluated where appropriate. Unless the Clerk advises the Committee otherwise
in a particular case, there are no significant impacts to be considered
Climate Change and Carbon
4.5 None.
Key Priorities 
4.6 North Ayrshire Council has priorities for "Communities and Local Democracy"  and
"Wellbeing" in the Council Plan 2023-2028  An effective licensing system, e.g.
monitoring the 'fit and proper' status of hire-car drivers and the safety of their cars, helps
achieve Strategic Aim-Wellbeing. 
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Community Wealth Building
4.7 There are no Community Wealth Building issues.
Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)
4.8  None 
United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
4.9  None
Consumer Duty
4.10  None
5. Consultation
5.1 Consultations have been undertaken where appropriate with Police Scotland, Scottish
Fire and Rescue, and Council Directorates.
Aileen Craig
Head of Democratic Services
For further information please contact Raymond Lynch, Manager, Legal Services, on
Licensing@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. 
Background Papers
None
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Appendix A
Case 1 TDL/02581 (NEW)
Applicant
Taxi Driver Licence
Tyler Macaulay
Case 2
Licence holder
Taxi Licence
Streamline
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 
10 December 2025 
Licensing Committee 
Title:    Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982: Taxi Fare Review 
Purpose:  To continue the Taxi Fare Review 
Recommendation:  That the Committee
a) Review the current scale and approve in draft the scale set out
as Appendix D to this report, as varied by the Committee;
b) Instruct the Chief Executive to give notice of that draft;
c) Continue consideration of the Review until a further meeting of
the Committee at least one month after that public notice has
been given. 
1. Executive Summary 
1.1 Under of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (“the Act”), the Council, as
Licensing Authority, must from time to time review the maximum fare that taxis operating
within North Ayrshire may charge. The Act requires that this should be done at intervals
of not more than eighteen months, counted from when the current Scales came into
effect. The current Scales are attached at Appendix A.
1.2 When the Committee last considered this matter it adopted a Staged process for review,
namely: 
Stage (a) - Meeting with taxi trade representatives/taxi operators to discuss proposals,
consider revisions and finalise draft tariff 
Stage (b) - Licensing Committee meeting to approve the draft tariff for consultation and
authorise advertisement of the proposed tariff in local press 
Stage (c) - Public Consultation – to invite representations following advertisement 
Stage (d) - Licensing Committee meeting to consider representations and to fix the new
Scales 
Stage (e) - Notification of the Scales to the Trade 
Stages (f) and (g) – Advertisement of the new Scales, depending whether there is an
appeal to the Traffic Commissioner 
Agenda Item 4
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1.3 The fares fixed by the Committee are the maximum fares which may be charged.
Operators may charge less if they wish. While the Council must review the level of fares,
it does not require to alter them..
1.4 Once the fares have been reviewed and fixed, taxi operators have a right of appeal to
the Traffic Commissioner for the Scottish Traffic Area if they disagree with the Council's
decision.
2. Background
2.1 The current Scales took effect on 18 November 2024, following the previous review.
2.2 In accordance with the statutory timetable, officers have now commenced the next
review. The Stage (a) consultation meeting with representatives of the taxi trade was
held on 23 October 2025. A Minute of that meeting is attached as Appendix B.
2.3 In preparing draft Scales, the Committee should have regard to:
a) Scottish Government guidance to licensing authorities on taxi fare reviews;
b) the current Scales;
c) general economic indicators relevant to taxi operating costs; and
d) the views of the trade.
(a) Government Guidance
2.4. The Government Guidance is in "Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing: Best Practice for
Licensing Authorities", Second Edition, April 2012, Paragraph 6.2. This adopts the
guidance in Scottish Development Department Circular 25/1986. The relevant part of
that is Paragraph 2.37:
"The Secretary of State expects that in fixing fares authorities will want to pay primary
regard to the costs incurred by the trade, having regard to the capital costs. (including
interest payments) of the vehicles, the costs of maintaining and replacing them to the
standards required by the licensing authority, the costs of employing drivers, and the
prevailing levels of wages and costs in related road transport industries. In the Secretary
of State's view the public interest is better served by ensuring the maintenance of an
adequate taxi service by giving the trade a fair return than by depressing fares for social
reasons, however understandable. If fares are fixed at a level higher than the market
can stand, the trade is free to reduce them."
(b) the current Scales
2.5. The current Scales are attached at Appendix A to this report.
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(c) General Economic Indicators 
2.6 Appendix C (“Economic Indicators”) summarises relevant statistical indicators obtained
from the Office for National Statistics and other official sources. These include:
 The Consumer Prices Index (CPI – “all items”);
 CPI components for transport and motor fuel; and
 Changes in the National Living Wage/National Minimum Wage.
The figures are presented from November 2024, when the current Scales took effect,
to the most recent available “release date”. They are intended to give an indication of
how general prices and specific elements of taxi operating costs have moved over that
period. 
(d) the views of the Trade 
2.7 The views expressed at the Stage (a) consultation meeting are recorded in Appendix
B, in so far as stated at the Consultation meeting. In summary:
 Representatives highlighted ongoing increases in insurance, repairs and
maintenance, fuel and wage costs;
 They considered that the current flag fall was no longer sufficient to reflect these
costs;
 They proposed a modest increase to the initial charge under Tariffs 1 and 2,
while leaving the mileage and waiting-time elements unchanged; and
 They suggested that the festive tariff should begin at 7pm on Christmas Eve and
7pm on New Year's Eve, to reflect demand and operating conditions on those
evenings. 
3. Proposals 
3.1 A draft set of revised Taxi Fare Scales has been prepared by officers, taking into
account of the guidance, the economic indicators and the representations from the
trade. The draft Scales are attached at Appendix D. This is only a draft and has been
prepared by officers, not the Committee, for the purpose the purpose of facilitating
discussion. It is open to anyone participating in the review process to suggest that the
Licensing Committee should consider other factors or that an alternative charging basis
should be adopted. In order to keep to the statutory timetable, anyone making any
representations about the draft should make them during the subsequent public
consultation.
The Committee should review the Scales, adopt a draft proposal, and instruct the Chief
Executive to give public notice of that draft.
3.2    In summary, the draft Scales would:
 Increase the Tariff 1 flag fall from £3.50 to £4.00 for the first three-quarters of a
mile, with no change to the mileage or waiting-time charges;
 Increase the Tariff 2 flag fall from £4.00 to £4.50, again with no change to the
mileage or waiting-time charges;
 Make no changes to the boundary zone, large-vehicle or soiling charges; and
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 Amend Tariff 3 so that the festive tariff should begin at 7pm on Christmas Eve
and 7pm on New Year's Eve.
3.3 The Committee may wish to note that because only the flag fall is altered, the
percentage increase is greater on short journeys and tapers off on longer journeys.
This is demonstrated on the table below:
Tariff Example
Journey
Current
Fare (£)
Proposed
Fare (£)
Increase (£) Approx. %
Increase
1 (Normal) 1 mile 4.08 4.58 0.50 12.3%
1 (Normal) 2 miles 6.38 6.88 0.50 7.8%
1 (Normal) 5 miles 13.27 13.77 0.50 3.8%
2 (Higher) 1 mile 4.75 5.25 0.50 10.5%
2 (Higher) 2 miles 7.75 8.25 0.50 6.5%
2 (Higher) 5 miles 16.75 17.25 0.50 3.0% 
Assumptions
- First ¾ mile charged at the flag fall then the remaining distance at the per-mile rate.
- No waiting-time or extra charged included
- Figures rounded to the nearest penny. Actual metered fares will be in 10p increments
and may differ slightly. 
3.4 At this Stage (b) meeting, the Committee is invited to adopt a draft proposal for
consultation and to instruct the Chief Executive to give public notice of that draft in
terms of section 17 of the Act. The consultation period (Stage (c)) must be at least one
month. After the consultation period, the Committee will meet again (Stage (d)) to
consider any representations and to fix the Scales. 
4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty 
Financial 
4.1 The Taxi fare structure has substantial implications for both the trade and the
community. In addition, legal costs to the Licensing Authority may arise if the fare review
becomes subject to an appeal to the Traffic Commissioner, which may affect future
Licence fees.
Human Resources
4.2 None 
Legal 
4.3 The review and fixing of taxi fares is a statutory function under section 17 of the Civic
Government (Scotland) Act 1982. The procedure described in this report is designed to
ensure compliance with those requirements and to preserve the right of appeal for
operators. 
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Equality/Socio-economic 
4.4 A screening exercise indicates that a full Equality Impact Assessment is not required at
this stage. No specific socio-economic implications have been identified, although any
issues identified during consultation will be brought to the attention of the Committee. 
Climate Change and Carbon 
4.5 None
Key Priorities 
4.6 North Ayrshire Council has priorities for “Communities and Local Democracy” and
“Wellbeing” in the Council Plan 2023-2028. An effective licensing system, e.g.
monitoring the 'fit and proper' status of hire-car drivers and the safety of their cars, helps
achieve Strategic Aim-Wellbeing. 
Community Wealth Building 
4.7 There are no Community Wealth Building issues. 
Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 
4.8 None 
United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 
4.9 None 
Consumer Duty 
4.10 The review of taxi fares supports consumer protection by ensuring that fare structures
remain transparent, proportionate and are fair to both the Trade and the general public. 
5. Consultation 
5.1 The Stage (a) consultation meeting with trade representatives is described in section 2
and Appendix B. Wider consultation with the trade and general public will take place
by way of statutory public notice at Stage (c). 
Aileen Craig 
Head of Democratic Services 
For further information please contact Raymond Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal), on
raymondlynch@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 
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Background Papers 
Appendix A - Current NAC Taxi Fare Scales (from 18 November 2024)
Appendix B - Minute of Trade Consultation Meeting, 23 October 2025 
Appendix C - Economic Indicators
Appendix D – Draft Proposed Taxi Fare Scales 
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Taxi Fare Scales 
These are maximum fares – the driver can: 
- choose to charge less than the meter, or 
- agree a fixed fare with the passenger before the journey
starts (so long as the agreed fare is not more than the Scale
fare) 
Tariff 1 (Normal)
Up to the first 3/4 mile - £3.50
Then each mile - £2.30 (in 10p units)
Waiting: up to 10 minutes - £3.50 (and then 10p every 20 seconds or
part) 
Tariff 2 (Higher)
Up to the first 3/4 mile - £4.00
Then each mile - £3.00 (in 10p units)
Waiting: up to 10 minutes - £4.00 (and then 10p every 20 seconds or
part) 
Tariff 2 applies if the journey starts and/or ends: 
- in the period 12.00 p.m. (midnight) to 7.00 a.m. ("Night") 
- on a Sunday 
- on the following Public Holidays:
Good Friday
early May Bank Holiday
Spring Bank Holiday
Summer Bank Holiday
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30 November (St Andrew’s Day) 
If a Bank Holiday is on a weekend, the following Monday is
treated as the Bank Holiday 
Tariff 3 (Festive period) 
If the journey starts AND/OR ends from 25th December until 26th
December at 7am or from 1st January until 2nd January at 7am, the
fare is double Tariff 1. 
Boundary Zone Charge 
If the journey is from the Zone for which the vehicle is licensed to
another Zone in North Ayrshire: the fare is whichever of Tariff 1, 2 or
3 would otherwise apply, plus 50%. 
Large Vehicle Charge (5 or more passengers) 
If the vehicle starts by carrying more than 4 passengers, the fare is
charged as an extra 50% on whichever of Tariff 1, 2 or 3 would
otherwise apply. The higher fare applies until the hire ends, even if
some of the passengers leave the vehicle earlier and there are fewer
than 5 left in the vehicle. 
Extra Charges 
Soiling Charge - £50 
Notes 
1. If two Tariffs could apply to a journey, the driver can charge the
higher one. The metered charge is the maximum which can be charged.
The driver can always charge less. 
2. These Scales apply to journeys which both start and end within
North Ayrshire. The Council do not set fares for journeys beyond the
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Council area. The passenger and the driver should agree the fare before
the start of the journey. 
3. Luggage shall be carried free if it is of a size which can reasonably
be accommodated in the car. 
4. Tariffs apply as soon as the journey starts and do not change. For
example, if a journey starts at 6.30 a.m. (Tariff 2 is "Higher") but ends at
7.30 a.m. (Tariff 1 is "Normal"), then the fare is still Tariff 2 because the
journey started at night. 
5. The meter can only be started immediately before the vehicle
moves off and must be stopped when the vehicle arrives at its destination.
The meter cannot be used while the vehicle is being loaded before moving
off or being unloaded after the vehicle stops at its destination, unless the
passenger has asked the driver to wait. 
6. There is no extra charge for loading, carrying or unloading
passengers with wheelchairs, assistance animals or anything the
passenger wants to have carried. 
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Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982: Taxi Fare Review
Minute of Trade Consultation meeting under Section 17(4A)(a) held on Thursday 23 October
2025 at 10.00 am at Cunninghame House, Irvine
Councillors Present:
Eleanor Collier (Convenor), Ronnie Stalker and Donald L Reid
Council Officers Present:
David Grier (Solicitor, Legal), Christopher Pollock (Licensing Manager), Drew Robertson (Civic
Licensing Standards Officer) and Ashley Kellas (Administration Assistant)
Operators of Taxis in Attendance (and Licence Numbers):
Billy Bruce (77, 97 and 240) (Member of 3 Towns TOA)
James McDowall (241)
The Convenor opened the meeting by explaining that the purpose of today’s meeting was to
gather the views of operators in advance of a meeting of the Licensing Committee to make a
proposal for draft Taxi Fare Scales. This would only be a draft, not a decided tariff, and would be
published in newspapers. The public, including the operators present, would have 28 days to
make any comments they wanted. There would then be a further meeting of the Committee,
which would make a decision on the scales and that decision would include an effective from
date.
David Grier conﬁrmed this was Stage B of the Taxi Fare Review process, Stage A was approved by
the Licensing Committee in August.
The Convenor invited those present to make comments.
James McDowall (241)
He stated that the fares are fair enough, however the ﬂag fall could perhaps be increased from
£3.50 to £4.00 under Tariff 1, and from £4.00 to £4.50 under Tariff 2. He said that would make a
difference for Taxi operators. Also, if Tariff 3 could start at 7 pm on Christmas Eve and New Years
Eve that would help a lot with attracting drivers to work at those times.
He advised that costs have went up, insurance in particular which for him was now £7,000 for an
annual policy. Fuel and garage repair costs are also increasing.
Billy Bruce (77, 97 and 240)
He said he agreed with Mr McDowall’s comments. The vast majority of hires are local / short
journeys. This is a particular issue for Saltcoats and the 3 Towns area where most journeys tend
to be short and ‘round in a circle’. He added that the national minimum wage is also a problem
given how much the taxi actually makes.
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Eleanor Collier
She noted and referred to a written submission made by another operator, Mr McGuiness, who
was not present. She noted it was similar to Mr McDowall’s and Mr Bruce’s points but also
included a suggestion to increase the mileage rate.
James McDowall (241)
He said he was not against an increase in the milage rate if the Committee were to implement
that, however for him the main issue was the current ﬂag fall. He said that he thought both East
Ayrshire and South Ayrshire had higher ﬂag fall rates.
David Grier
He explained the next steps in the process and that a draft proposal would be brought to a
Committee meeting, most likely in December, and the matter would then go out for public
consultation.
He asked Mr McDowall and Mr Bruce if they had any views on additional fees being charged to
customers for card payments.
James McDowall (241)
He said he was not aware of any issues with card payments, and nothing was required in relation
to that.
Drew Robertson
He said that he had received queries / complaints regarding the charging of fees for card
payments and said that it was dubious whether this was a legal practice or not. He added that he
would be looking into this matter further.
David Grier
He asked Mr McDowall and Mr Bruce what their views were in relation to a local Taxi Forum.
James McDowall (241)
He said he thought that would be a good idea and would help to give the Council an accurate
picture of what things were like on the ground for the taxi trade. He then highlighted that
sometimes drivers and operators can have issues with applying for licences online.
Ashley Kellas
She offered to help anyone who is having any issues with making applications.
James McDowall (241)
He thanked Ashley for this offer and for the assistance she provides to operators and drivers.
Meeting minutes ended: 10.22 am
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Economic Indicators 
Notes
1. The index numbers in the table are taken from the OƯice for National Statistics inﬂation
time series data, using the series IDs referred to in the table.
2. November 2024 represents the point at which the current North Ayrshire taxi fare scales
were last reviewed and left unchanged. October 2025 is the latest data available at the
time of preparing this report. The ‘Total Change’ column shows the percentage
movement over that period. 
3. Over this period, the general ‘All Items’ CPI index has increased by 3.5%, with motoring
related expenditure increasing at a higher rate of 5.8%. Petrol prices have been broadly
ﬂat overall, while diesel prices have risen modestly. 
4. In addition, the statutory National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over has
increased from £11.44 per hour (1st April 2024) to £12.21 per hour (1st April 2025), an
increase of 6.7% over the period since the last review. This is relevant to the earnings of
many taxi drivers and to the overall cost base of the trade. 
Index Name November 2024 October 2025 Total Change
All Items
Series ID: D7BT
135.1 139.8 3.5%
Purchase of
Vehicles
Series ID: L543
122.6 124.7 1.7%
Motoring
Expenditure
Series ID: DOCT
606.4 640.6 5.6%
Petrol
Series ID: L7FP
121.5 121.4 -0.1%
Diesel
Series ID: L7FO
122.2 124.4 1.8%
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Taxi Fare Scales 
These are maximum fares – the driver can: 
- choose to charge less than the meter, or 
- agree a fixed fare with the passenger before the journey
starts (so long as the agreed fare is not more than the Scale
fare) 
This is only a draft and has been prepared only to assist discussion.
It cannot be taken as indicating that the Council have decided any
matter or are likely to make a particular decision. 
Tariff 1 (Normal)
Up to the first 3/4 mile - £4.00
Then each mile - £2.30 (in 10p units)
Waiting: up to 10 minutes - £3.50 (and then 10p every 20 seconds or
part) 
Tariff 2 (Higher)
Up to the first 3/4 mile - £4.50
Then each mile - £3.00 (in 10p units)
Waiting: up to 10 minutes - £4.00 (and then 10p every 20 seconds or
part) 
Tariff 2 applies if the journey starts and/or ends: 
- in the period 12.00 p.m. (midnight) to 7.00 a.m. ("Night") 
- on a Sunday 
- on the following Public Holidays:
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Good Friday
early May Bank Holiday
Spring Bank Holiday
Summer Bank Holiday
30 November (St Andrew’s Day) 
If a Bank Holiday is on a weekend, the following Monday is
treated as the Bank Holiday 
Tariff 3 (Festive period) 
If the journey starts AND/OR ends at any time between 7pm on 24
December and 7am on 26 December, or between 7pm on 31
December and 7am on 2 January, the fare is double Tariff 1. 
Boundary Zone Charge 
If the journey is from the Zone for which the vehicle is licensed to
another Zone in North Ayrshire: the fare is whichever of Tariff 1, 2 or
3 would otherwise apply, plus 50%. 
Large Vehicle Charge (5 or more passengers) 
If the vehicle starts by carrying more than 4 passengers, the fare is
charged as an extra 50% on whichever of Tariff 1, 2 or 3 would
otherwise apply. The higher fare applies until the hire ends, even if
some of the passengers leave the vehicle earlier and there are fewer
than 5 left in the vehicle. 
Extra Charges 
Soiling Charge - £50 
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Notes 
1. If two Tariffs could apply to a journey, the driver can charge the
higher one. The metered charge is the maximum which can be charged.
The driver can always charge less. 
2. These Scales apply to journeys which both start and end within
North Ayrshire. The Council do not set fares for journeys beyond the
Council area. The passenger and the driver should agree the fare before
the start of the journey. 
3. Luggage shall be carried free if it is of a size which can reasonably
be accommodated in the car. 
4. Tariffs apply as soon as the journey starts and do not change. For
example, if a journey starts at 6.30 a.m. (Tariff 2 is "Higher") but ends at
7.30 a.m. (Tariff 1 is "Normal"), then the fare is still Tariff 2 because the
journey started at night. 
5. The meter can only be started immediately before the vehicle
moves off and must be stopped when the vehicle arrives at its destination.
The meter cannot be used while the vehicle is being loaded before moving
off or being unloaded after the vehicle stops at its destination, unless the
passenger has asked the driver to wait. 
6. There is no extra charge for loading, carrying or unloading
passengers with wheelchairs, assistance animals or anything the
passenger wants to have carried. 
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Page 31

NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 
10 December 2025 
LICENSING COMMITTEE 
Title:    Taxi Drivers standards of dress 
Purpose:  Update of the requirements for Taxi Drivers 
Recommendation:  To give the Committee an update on the implementation of the
above 
1. Executive Summary 
1.1 Following the Licensing Committee meeting on 11th September 2024 when they
approved amendments to the existing “Dress Code” it was agreed to provide the
Committee with a review of its implementation and, if necessary, alter any areas
requiring attention. 
2. Background 
2.1 The Standards of Dress Code currently is as follows:-
When the vehicle is operating as a Taxi or Private Hire Car, the Licence holder must
conduct themselves in a proper and civil manner and be clean and tidy in appearance.
Licence holders must, when operating the licensed vehicle, conform to the following
“Standards of Dress”
(a) For identification purposes, the Licence holder must not wear a hat, cap, baseball
style cap, beanie hat or any other headwear while driving the vehicle when under
hire or plying for hire;
(b) Trousers must be full length dress style with belt hoops and skirts must be of plain
dark colours and not highly patterned.
(c) Black coloured jeans are permitted.
(d) Jogging trousers, tracksuit and cargo trousers are not acceptable.
(e) Polo shirts must be one colour and have a collar with no printing or lettering except
a small manufacturer’s logo.  It is acceptable for a company name or logo on the
shirt.  T-shirts with a round neckline, football attire or club colours are not
acceptable;
(f) Dress shorts and chino style shorts may be worn at any time of the year provided
they have belt hoops and are one colour.  Three quarter length shorts and cargo
style shorts are not permitted.  Highly patterned or advertising printing are not
acceptable.  There may be a small manufacturer’s logo.  Gym or beach shorts are
not permitted.
Agenda Item 5
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(g) Any tie should be a clip-on style for the driver’s own personal safety;
(h) Jumpers either crew or V neck are permitted provided they are not highly patterned
and may have a small manufacturer’s logo, or taxi firm or association details.
Hoodies are not permitted;
(i) Footwear may be either shoes or training shoes. Sandals and flip flops/sliders are
not appropriate and hiking boots are not acceptable;
Departure from any of these requirements is permitted only where a particular type of
clothing is required by the traditional and customary practice of the Licence holder’s
religion.
Where the Licence holder is told by an officer of the Licensing Authority that, in the
officer’s opinion, the Licence holder’s clothing is not consistent with this Condition
(including the Dress Code), the Licence holder shall cease operating under the
Licence and shall not resume unless they have changed to clothing which meets the
Licence Condition.
3. Proposals
3.1 That no further changes in the Standard of Dress are required at this time.
4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty
From 31 October 2023 until 10 September 2024 ,10 Taxi Drivers received verbal
warnings. The new of the Standards of Dress code was brought into effect in
September 2024. From 10 September 2024 to the present date 19 Taxi Drivers have
received verbal warnings in connection with the way they have been dressed, being
their non-compliance with the acceptable standard. The CLSO estimates that there
is between 10 and 15% non-compliance.
Financial
4.1 “None.”
Human Resources
4.2 “None.”
Legal
4.3 “None”
Equality/Socio-economic
4.4 “None.”
Climate Change and Carbon
4.5 “None.”
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Key Priorities 
4.6 None 
Community Wealth Building 
4.7  None 
Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 
4.8 None 
United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 
4.9 None 
Consumer Duty 
4.10  None 
5. Consultation 
5.1 Not required 
AILEEN CRAIG
Head of Democratic Services 
For further information please contact Drew Robertson, Civic Licensing Standards
Officer, on  01294 310000. 
Background Papers
Click here to enter text.
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19 
Agenda Item X 
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 
10th December 2025 
Licensing Committee
Title: Public Entertainment Resolution under the Civic
Government (Scotland) Act 1982
Purpose: To consider and determine updated terms for the Council’s
Public Entertainment Licence (“PEL”) resolution under the Civic
Government (Scotland) Act 1982. 
Recommendation: That the Committee: 
(1) approve the updated draft Public Entertainment Licence
Resolution under section 41 of the Civic Government
(Scotland) Act 1982 as circulated separately (supplementary
paper/handout) (“the Draft Resolution”);
(2) agree that the Draft Resolution, once made, will have an
effective date not earlier than nine months after the date it is
made, in accordance with the statutory requirements.
(3) delegate authority to the Senior Manager, Legal Services (in
consultation with the Chair, where necessary) to make minor
presentational/typographical/non-material adjustments to the
Draft Resolution prior to final publication and implementation,
provided these do not materially alter its substance. 
(4) note that officers will take the required statutory publication
steps following the making of the resolution. 
1. Executive Summary 
1.1 The Licensing Committee exercises the functions of the Council as "Licensing
Authority" under many statutes, including the Civic Government (Scotland) Act
1982 (as amended by the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010). 
1.2 Section 41 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides for public
entertainment licensing but the Council’s ability to operate discretionary licensing
regimes is dependent on the Council having an up to date resolution specifying the
relevant licensable activities under the resolution. 
1.3 In January 2025, the Committee considered an earlier report designed to review
and modernise the PEL resolution framework, which highlighted a need for a
clearer and more workable approach. This report brings forward the updated Draft
Resolution for determination. 
Agenda Item 6
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20 
2. Background 
2.1 A public entertainment licence is required for the use of premises as a place
where members of the public are admitted or may use any facilities for the
purposes of entertainment or recreation. The Council’s current public
entertainment resolution is contained at Appendix 1. This contains several
specified activities which requires to be updated. 
2.2 The Council’s current resolution is dated and does not reflect a full modern range
of public entertainment activities or the contemporary regulatory context. This risks
uncertainty for organisers, residents, members and officers which may undermine
consistent compliance and enforcement. 
2.3 Officers have continued to develop updated terms, including engagement with
relevant internal stakeholders to produce a Draft Resolution that identifies classes
of public entertainment in a clearer structure, provides modern definitions to
improve consistency of interpretation and also provides targeted exemptions
where activities are otherwise regulated or are deemed lower risk. 
2.4 Under section 9(8) of the Civic Government (Scotland) 1982 Act, the licensing
authority shall, as soon as they have made a resolution, publish in a newspaper or
newspapers circulating in their area the terms of the resolution so made, together
with a notice stating the effect of the resolution. 
2.5 As specified in section 9(2) of the Civic Government (Scotland) 1982 Act, any
resolution cannot come into effect until at least nine months after the date that the
resolution is made. 
3. Proposals 
3.1 It is recommended that the Committee approve the Draft Resolution in order to
modernise and clarify the Council’s PEL resolution position under the Civic
Government (Scotland) 1982 Act. 
3.2 Subject to the Committee’s determination, officers will undertake the statutory
steps required following the making of the resolution, including relevant publication
(as referred to at 2.4 and 2.5 above) 
3.3 It is noted for the Committee that any resolution cannot come into effect until at
least nine months after the date it is made and the effective date will be set
accordingly to ensure that anyone affected by the resolution will have ample time
to prepare for its inauguration. 
4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty
Financial
4.1 The legislation requires the Council to charge fees for licences that cover the costs
of administering the licensing regime, therefore changes to the types of activity
licensed by the Council are cost neutral. However, there will be an increase in
officer time and enforcement/regulation of such activities. 
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21 
Human Resources 
4.2 There will be additional resource requirements where the Committee resolves to
add additional licensing types in its revised resolution. These will require additional
visits by protective services in terms of the public awareness of new licensing
requirements and from enforcement officers from legal services where there are
reports of unlicensed activities. 
Legal 
4.3 A modern Public Entertainment Licence Resolution is required to take account the
change and nature of activities that should be licensed. This requires to be in terms
of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. 
Equality/Socio-economic 
4.4 An "Equality Impact Assessment" screening has been carried out, and there are
no equalities impacts associated with using these discretionary powers. There
are no socio-economic implications of the proposals. 
Climate Change and Carbon 
4.5 None
Key Priorities 
4.6 North Ayrshire Council has priorities for "Communities and Local Democracy” and
"Wellbeing" in the Council Plan 2023-2028. An effective licensing system and
updated public entertainment resolution, helps achieve the Strategic Aim-
Wellbeing. 
Community Wealth Building 
4.7 There are no Community Wealth Building Issues. 
Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 
4.8 This Draft Resolution applies across the Council area and is not intended to operate
differently between mainland and island locations. No distant island-specific impacts are
identified. 
United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 
4.9 None 
Consumer Duty 
4.10 None 
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22 
5. Consultation 
5.1 Officers have undertaken internal consultation with relevant council services
(including Environmental Health/Protective Services) on the functionality of the
updated Draft Resolution. No further public consultation is proposed at this stage.
The statutory procedure for making the resolution is by determination of the
Licensing Committee, followed by publication in accordance with the Civic
Government (Scotland) Act 1982. 
Aileen Craig
Head of Democratic Services 
For further information please contact Raymond Lynch, Senior Manager, Legal Services,
on licensing@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Background Papers
Appendix 1 – Current Public Entertainment Resolution 
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23 
• boxing, wrestling or another spectacle
• motorcycle scrambling
• dancing, a discotheque or amplified sound
• an open air concert
• an exhibition
• a large fete with one or more public marquees
• a fireworks display
• an ice rink
• a musical, dramatic or other stage or floor or radio or television performance or
activity
• a circus
• a fairground (includes a ride of whatever size, speed or cost)
• a swimming pool
• a billiards, snooker and/or pool hall
• an amusement arcade other than one licensed under the Gambling Act 2005
Appendix 1- Current Public Entertainment Resolution
A Public Entertainment Licence is required for the following activities or premises
39