Introduction
Licensing officers are known in some councils as
enforcement officers. Local authorities have a duty to ensure
that private hire vehicles (hackney cabs or taxis that may be
flagged down, minicabs, minibuses, school buses and coaches) are
safe to ride in. They also make sure that public
entertainment premises - these include pubs and clubs that provide
music or live entertainment, school and village halls and a growing
number of venues where weddings are held - obey health and safety
regulations and local byelaws.
Work Environment
Some of the work takes place in council offices where
licensees and drivers come to apply for licences. Officers
also go out and about to inspect vehicles and check premises.
Some of the work is done on a regular basis; some is done in
response to complaints from the public or as a result of
'tip-offs'. They might for instance, visit a pub if someone has
informed them that it holds illegal discos.
Daily Activities
In order to obtain a licence or 'badge' vehicle drivers
have to fill in application forms, pass a written test of local
knowledge and provide proof that they have undergone a voluntary
police check and had a medical examination.
Licensing officers help applicants to complete the forms if
necessary and supervise the test. They check all the information
and issue licences fora fixed period. During this period they make
random checks on vehicles, asking for the driver's ID, checking
that cab meters are accurate and making visual safety checks of
vehicles. If they are not satisfied they have the authority to
suspend the badge and require a driver to attend test centre for a
full mechanical check. Much of this enforcement work takes place at
evenings and weekends. They also regularly check lists of drivers
whose licences are due for renewal and contact any who have not
made an application.
If working on public entertainment licences, licensing officers
visit premises and interview the licensee. They then ask the
police, fire service and environmental health officers whether they
have any objections to a licence being issued on the grounds of
safety, public order, hygiene or noise and put a notice of the
application in the local press. If members of the public object,
their views are recorded. Licensing officers finally
recommend that the licensing board (composed of elected
councillors) grants or withholds a licence.
They are also responsible for issuing badges to doorkeepers or
bouncers and ensuring that they have attended a required training
course. In both aspects of the work they may have to go to
court and give evidence if an applicant makes an appeal against a
licence refusal.
Skills & Interests
Licensing officers need:
- excellent spoken and written communication skills;
- to be able to deal with people from all walks of life;
- to be confident about speaking in public - for when they attend
court;
- to be tactful when dealing with some people - who may become
aggressive - and learn the skill of listening while they get their
complaint off their chest.
They must have or acquire a thorough knowledge of various local
government acts and of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Entry Requirements
Councils often ask fora minimum of four GCSEs grade at C
or above, including English and Maths, but many entrants have
higher qualifications, including degrees.
Experience of providing advice to the public or working in a
customer service environment is usually looked for, this is an
ideal type of job for ex-police officers or armed service
personnel. A valid, clean driving licence is a normal
requirement. Training is given on the job and, at the
discretion of employing authorities, by attendance at short courses
run by The National Association of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing
and Enforcement Officers (Natphleo).
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There are prospects of promotion to Senior Licensing
Officer, with responsibility for the work of several
licensing/enforcement officers and administrative
officers/assistants. A small council might employ one
licensing officer and one senior licensing officer. In a large
council there might be two licensing officers and one senior
licensing officer.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives www.ilex.org.uk
Health & Safety Adventure Activities Licensing www.hse.gov.uk
Law Society www.lawsociety.org.uk
Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association www.licensing.org
National Association of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing and
Enforcement Officers (Natphleo)
www.naleo.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work
through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/)
or in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.