Legal requirement
The main legislation governing the licensing of private hire operators is Part II, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
The Act says we cannot grant you a licence unless we are satisfied that:
- you are a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold an Operator’s licence
- you must have been honest in supplying information to us and must not, under any circumstances, make a false statement at any time to obtain your licence – this is a serious offence
- your proposed business premises address is in Portsmouth
- you will only use vehicles/drivers licensed by Portsmouth City Council when operating in Portsmouth
The 1976 Act does allow for certain activities to be undertaken without the need to hold an operator, vehicle or driver licence.
The exemptions from the licensing code are:
- using a vehicle(s) solely for weddings
- using a vehicle(s) wholly or mainly for the purposes of funerals