The Licensing Committee of North Somerset Council met on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to review the mid-year report on the administration and enforcement of licensing regimes. The committee discussed potential impacts on licensing fees and the availability of accessible taxis.

Mid-year Report on Licensing Administration and Enforcement

The committee received the mid-year report detailing the activities of the North Somerset Council Licensing Team for the financial year 2026/2027. The report highlighted a continued decline in licensed premises, particularly within the nighttime economy, and noted the Treasury's review of business rates for pubs and hotels, which could impact the council's fee income. The report also indicated that proactive compliance visits had resumed following a period of reduced activity, and that any increase in identified issues might reflect historical administrative matters rather than a rise in problematic premises.

Discussions also touched upon the availability of accessible taxis, with members raising concerns about the shortage of such vehicles, especially after midnight, and the difficulties faced by vulnerable and older residents needing transport for hospital appointments. Officers confirmed that taxi accessibility would be a key focus in the forthcoming taxi policy review. They explained that while legislation limits the council's ability to mandate accessible vehicles, tiered licence fees for wheelchair-accessible vehicles could be considered, provided the licensing regime remained self-funding. The review process will involve consultation with the taxi trade and other stakeholders.

Concerns raised on social media regarding taxi knowledge testing were also acknowledged, with officers confirming work was underway to improve communications and equality practices within this area. The Licensing Committee noted the outcomes and challenges to the administration of licensing regimes undertaken by the North Somerset Council Licensing Service to date in the 2026/27 financial year.

The minutes from the previous meeting, dated 21 October 2025, were to be approved as a correct record. No public participation or declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest were made. The committee also confirmed there were no matters referred from other council bodies or urgent business to be considered.