I have raised concerns with North Yorkshire Council following enforcement action involving the Hansom Restaurant in Bedale.
As I understand it, the issue relates to a well-intentioned arrangement by the restaurant to offer free lifts to customers, introduced in response to limited local transport and taxi availability.
While I fully recognise the importance of licensing regulations and the need to ensure public safety, I am concerned that the approach taken may not be proportionate in the circumstances.
Small businesses across our rural communities are under significant pressure from rising costs, staffing challenges, and poor transport connectivity. In that context, we should be careful not to discourage practical, community-minded solutions that help businesses remain viable and serve local people.
I have asked North Yorkshire Council to clarify how it assesses proportionality when applying licensing requirements in cases involving small businesses, and how it ensures that innovation and good intentions are not unintentionally discouraged.
Local authorities have an important role not only as regulators, but also as partners in supporting local enterprise and sustaining our high streets. It is essential that enforcement is carried out fairly, reasonably, and with full regard to local circumstances.
I will continue to engage with NYC on this issue and to make the case for a balanced approach that supports both public safety and small business sustainability.
Read the letter attached.
