Private hire operators' licence

A private hire operator's licence allows the holder to receive bookings (by telephone or other means) and to send private hire vehicles for pre-arranged hire. Both the vehicle and driver sent to complete the booking must also be licensed by Scarborough Borough Council.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be a lawful private hire operator, you must have the following licences in place:-

Private hire operator's licence
Private hire vehicle licence for all vehicles involved in private hire work
Dual driver's licence for all persons driving any licensed private hire vehicles

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence can be found here

Application Evaluation Process

An Operator’s Licence is required for the purpose of making provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle. The Licensing Authority may impose any conditions to the grant of an Operator’s Licence as it considers reasonably necessary. The Operator’s Licence will remain in force for a period of one year unless the Licensing Authority specifies a lesser period, revokes or suspends the licence. The licence is not transferable.

There shall be sufficient off-street parking made available for the number of vehicles to which the application relates. The operator shall provide details upon request of the location of all such off-street parking.

Where an Operator uses a second ‘satellite’ base as an Operator’s office (whether it is a business or residential address) within the same controlled district they shall inform the LA so that the addresses may be stated on the Licence. The Licensing Authority reserve the right to charge for every additional office.

With the application you will need to include:

Appropriate fee
Details of off street parking

Please note it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the Planning Department regarding planning permission.

Please Note:

The Operator must inform the Licensing Authority of any change of vehicle details that is different to those stated on the current Operator’s Licence.
The Operator must inform the Licensing Authority in writing of any change of drivers within 48 hours.
The Operator shall notify the Licensing Authority in writing within 7 days of any change of home address whether permanent or temporary.
The Licensing Authority must be informed in writing of any intended change of business premises and approval obtained before any such change.

Renewal applications

Renewal applications are sent out by Licensing Services 8-10 weeks before licence expiry. If you do not receive your renewal application 6 weeks before expiry, please contact Licensing Services on 01723 232323 or email licensing.services@scarborough.gov.uk to request a replacement to be sent to you.

Will Tacit Consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact the council.

Apply for a Dual Drivers Licence

If you wish to apply for private hire vehicle licence, change the name or address on an existing licence or request a replacement licence, please download the relevant form below and complete in full.

Once completed, applications should be sent to the Licensing Authority, accompanied by the relevant fee and any required documentation at the following address:

The Licensing Authority, Scarborough Borough Council, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HG.

If you have any questions relating to the application process or how to complete the forms please contact the Licensing Service on 01723 232323 or email licensing.services@scarborough.gov.uk.

Register

A public register is available online. If you wish to view the Council's online register please click here. You can also view a copy of the register at the Council's Offices during normal office hours. To make an appointment to view the registers please contact the Licensing Service on 01723 232323 or alternatively email licensing.services@scarborough.gov.uk.

Failed Application redress

Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance.

An appeal against a decision may be made by the applicant within 21 days from the date of receipt of the notification of the decision to:

Scarborough Magistrates’ Court, The Law Courts, Northway, Scarborough, YO12 7AE

Consumer Complaint

The Council operates a complaints procedure. To view the complaints procedure or to make a complaint relating to the service you have received please click here

Other redress

Should any person have a complaint relating to a licensed premises or suspect a premises is operating without the required licence, please contact Licensing Services on 01723 232323 or email licensing.services@scarborough.gov.uk