Councillor C Hughes raised a question in relation to public safety and the Council’s position regarding the wearing of face coverings for both the public and the drivers within taxis and if this could be made mandatory.

Members discussed the matter with the Licensing Manager who advised that as the practice of wearing face coverings was guidance from Public Health it would be difficult to enforce, however he did confirm that Licensing Officers would not seek to prosecute a taxi driver who refused a passenger who would not wear a face covering.

Members also discussed potential issues with facial recognition of drivers wearing face coverings.

RESOLVED – That Members of this General Licensing Committee recommend that face coverings are worn by both passengers in and drivers of taxis in the borough.