http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/12927497.Sex_exploitation_report_prompts_licensing_review/TAXI drivers and those who run licensed premises in St Helens will be asked to attend awareness sessions about child sexual exploitation.
This comes in the light of the findings of the Rotherham report, which highlighted the involvement of taxis and takeaways in the sexual exploitation of children in south Yorkshire.
St Helens Council is assessing its licensing procedures with a view to tightening up its systems and enforcement.
Planned and unplanned visits to operators and licensed premises are also being proposed, in partnership with Merseyside Police.
Those applying for licences to drive cabs or run takeaways may in future need to provide authorities with a character reference and anyone who has lived outside the UK for more than three months may need to obtain a 'good conduct certificate'.
This would be on top of the current requirements which include producing a driving licence, three forms of identification, a passport, getting a medical fitness certificate, passing a disclosure and barring service check and verification of the applicant's address.
All taxi drivers will be invited to attend the child sexual exploitation awareness sessions in April or May and those who go along will receive a certificate and, possibly, window stickers.
A review of the complaints process for taxis has been undertaken and raising a concern has been made easier.
The council will also look to other authorities to share best practice.
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