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Licensing

Changes to our Licensing services

Advice and guidance for current licence holders and new applicants on changes to our Licensing service

This guidance is for current licence holders and anyone planning to apply for a new licence. It explains the changes we are making to our Licensing services to help minimise the disruption caused to licence holders by Covid-19.

Everyone has a role to play in limiting the spread of Covid-19. Licence holders, including taxi and private hire car drivers, are reminded to follow Government advice including advice on isolation if you have symptoms.

1. General Guidelines on Changes to our Licensing service

1.1 Face to Face Appointments

We are currently conducting some appointments in a COVID SECURE position to safeguard the staff and the public. We are continuing to work on measures to offer further facilities and ask you to monitor this website for further information.

1.2 Committee and Board Meetings

All planned meetings of the Licensing and any Regulatory Committee have been changed and conducted remotely with the use of video conferencing facilities.

1.3 Submitting Applications

We are asking customers to submit applications in the normal manner either electronically or through the post. You can find electronic copies of our applications on our site

Your application should be signed. Any necessary documentation should accompany the application

Once we receive your application we will review it and contact you to arrange payment.

2. Guidance for Existing Licence Holders

2.1 Your Licence is Due to Expire

All licences due to between 18th May 2020 and 1st June 2020 were issued with a temporary licence. You will be licensed to continue to trade over the extended period subject to Government guidance on Covid-19 and a pdf temporary licence was issued. No further temporary licences will be used unless a letter from the Government or GP confirm you are shielding and unable to attend the office.

All appointments are being conducted in a secure processes. To book an appointment, please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/licensingselfbooking

2.2 Drivers requiring a DBS or DVLA check

We have the facility to accept electronic submissions in relation to the DVLA checks. An email will be sent to drivers in relation to the DVLA checks from our third party provider.

To book your DBS appointment , please book an appointment, please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/licensingselfbooking

2.3 Driver badge renewals

All licences due to between 18th May 2020 and 1st June 2020 were issued with a temporary licence. You will be licensed to continue to trade over the extended period subject to Government guidance on Covid-19 and a pdf temporary licence was issued. No further temporary licences will be used unless a letter from the Government or GP confirm you are shielding and unable to attend the office.

All appointments are being conducted in a secure processes. To book an appointment, please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/licensingselfbooking

2.4 Vehicle Interim Inspections

If you have a scheduled interim inspection you should still obtain a MOT as normal and book an appointment using the online booking form, please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/licensingselfbooking

2.5 Vehicle Renewals

All licences due to between 18th May 2020 and 1st June 2020 were issued with a temporary licence. You will be licensed to continue to trade over the extended period subject to Government guidance on Covid-19 and a pdf temporary licence was issued. No further temporary licences will be used unless a letter from the Government or GP confirm you are shielding and unable to attend the office.

All appointments are being conducted in a secure processes. To book an appointment, please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/licensingselfbooking

2.6 Group 2 Medicals

If you are able to obtain a group 2 medical, please continue to attend the appointments and return the form to the council offices. If the office is closed, please post the form through the letterbox and this will be collected during the day.

3. Guidance for New Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Applicants

3.1 Applying for a licence

We are now able to accept new applications and conduct the appropriate tests via video conferencing facilities. To book an appointment, please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/licensingselfbooking.

We will continue to review this position and may apply a further extension if necessary. The guidance will continue to be updated.