Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) presenting members with representations received following their decision relating to the wearing of shorts at a previous meeting.

RESOLVED that officers be asked to amend the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Dress Code to allow tailored shorts to the knee but be a bit more prescriptive, i.e. no denim or sports shorts.

The Public Protection Manager (IM) submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) presenting members with representations received following their decision to prohibit licensed drivers from wearing shorts under the Driver Dress Code approved at the committee’s last meeting.

There had been significant media interest in the decision and a petition entitled “Petition for continued Wearing of Shorts by Taxi Drivers in Denbighshire” had been handed to the Council in May 2015.  In light of the representations received and given the wording of the draft Dress Code subject of the consultation to allow tailored shorts to the knee, members were asked to consider whether sufficient consultation or discussion had been given to prohibit shorts being worn.

Members debated the merits of the decision to prohibit drivers from wearing shorts and there were mixed views in this regard.  Councillors Joan Butterfield, Bill Cowie and Barry Mellor spoke in favour of lifting the ban and allowing tailored shorts to the knee but no denim or sports shorts.  Taking into account the views of the taxi trade this amendment was considered reasonable to ensure the comfort of the driver during hot weather whilst still projecting a professional image of the trade.  It was noted that the consultation had been based on permitting tailored shorts to the knee and that proposal had been accepted by those licence holders who attended the workshop session.  Consequently it was not considered necessary to re-consult on that proposal.  Councillor Hugh Irving spoke in favour of retaining a total ban on wearing shorts to promote a professional image of the trade and he made comparisons to the dress code/uniforms of other organisations and referred to taxi professions in other countries.  He felt taxi drivers should meet similar standards to ensure a favourable impression on customers and visitors to the area.  He also highlighted the difficulty of adjudicating on the diversity of shorts worn.  Other members responded that it was unfair to make comparisons with much larger organisations and different professions, particularly given that many drivers were self-employed.  It was also noted that the Council’s own dress code allowed shorts to be worn provided they were smart and professional.

Councillor Hugh Irving proposed, seconded by Councillor Peter Owen to keep the Dress Code as agreed on 4 March 2015.  Councillor Joan Butterfield proposed, seconded by Bill Cowie to amend the Dress Code to allow tailored shorts to the knee but be a bit more prescriptive i.e. no denim or sports shorts.  Upon being put to the vote it was –

RESOLVED that officers be asked to amend the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Dress Code to allow tailored shorts to the knee but be a bit more prescriptive, i.e. no denim or sports shorts.