The Licensing Committee convened to address several key issues, including the Sexual Entertainment Venue Licensing Policy, membership of the Taxi and Private Hire Car Consultation Group, and various licensing applications. The committee agreed to limit the number of Sexual Entertainment Venues in Aberdeen city centre to five, and to keep the number of venues outside the city centre at zero. They also approved changes to the membership of the Taxi and Private Hire Car Consultation Group, and deferred a decision on a House in Multiple Occupation application for 36 Elmfield Avenue.

Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy Consultation 2025

Following a public consultation that closed on 31 July 2025, the Licensing Committee considered the Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) Licensing Policy. The committee agreed to set the upper limit for SEVs in Aberdeen city centre at five, and to maintain the limit of zero for venues outside the city centre. They also agreed to make no changes to the existing Sexual Entertainment Venue Licensing Policy and standard conditions.

The consultation received approximately 188 responses, with varying opinions on the appropriate number of venues. While some respondents suggested numbers ranging from one to six, many others proposed alternative figures, including zero. Concerns were raised about the impact of licensed venues on the community, with some suggesting that they put women at risk and damage the city's image.

The report noted that a compromise position could be to reduce the upper limit for the number of Sexual Entertainment Venues for Aberdeen city centre from six premises to four premises, with scope to further review this at a future date. This would be more in line with the upper limits for other city centres such as Edinburgh, where the limit is currently three.

A response from an NHS Consultant in Public Health and Organisational Lead for Gender-Based Violence was submitted, along with a response from the Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership (VAWGP).

Membership of the Taxi and Private Hire Car Consultation Group

The committee approved amendments to the membership of the Taxi and Private Hire Car Consultation Group and agreed to review the membership again in 12 months' time. The changes include deleting the reference to one representative for all 'Licensed Taxi Booking Offices' and 'Private Hire Trade', and including one representative from each of the following booking offices: Rainbow City Taxis, Aberdeen Taxis, Chariots Private Hire, ComCab, Leadryde, Aberdeen International Airport, and Uber.

The report CORS/25/123 noted that there were eight Licensed Taxi Booking Offices in Aberdeen:

• Rainbow City Taxis
• Aberdeen Taxis
• Aberdeen International Airport
• ComCab
• Central Taxis (Aberdeen) Ltd
• Leadryde Technology Ltd
• Chariots Private Hire (Scotland) Ltd
• Uber

The report also noted that a driver from Aberdeen International Airport had approached council officers explaining that their drivers were not being represented by the Aberdeen International Airport Taxi Booking Office representative on the Taxi and Private Hire Care Consultation Group and sought the means in which they could be better represented.

House in Multiple Occupation (New) - 36 Elmfield Avenue

The committee agreed to defer consideration of the application for a new House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 36 Elmfield Avenue until the necessary upgrading works are completed. After the works are completed, the Chief Officer - Housing can grant or refuse the licence under delegated powers, if appropriate.

The application was brought before the committee due to an objection letter received by the Private Sector Housing Team. According to the Info Note - 36 Elmfield Avenue - HMO, the property is a two-storey dwelling house with three letting bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. The applicant wishes to accommodate a maximum of five tenants. There are currently 27 other HMO licensed properties on Elmfield Avenue.

Other Matters

• Age of Vehicle Policy Exemption - Rainbow Taxis Ltd: The committee approved the request for exemption from the Age of Vehicle Policy for Rainbow Taxis Ltd.
• House in Multiple Occupation (New) - 51 Leslie Road: The committee approved the application for a new HMO at 51 Leslie Road.
• Short Term Let (New Operator) - 21 Grimond Court: The committee approved the application for a Short Term Let at 21 Grimond Court.
• The committee approved the minute of the previous meeting of 14 May 2025, the minutes of the Licensing Sub Committee meetings of 4 and 25 June 2025, and the minute of the Taxi and Private Hire Car Consultation Group meeting of 30 April 2025.
• The committee noted the Committee Business Planner.
• The committee noted that there were no deputations, notices of motion, or referrals from other council bodies.
• The committee approved a number of applications relating to Taxi Driver Licences and Landlord Registrations, which were considered in private.