Taxi Driver’s Licence Revoked Over Illegal Tobacco Connection

A taxi operator has had their licence withdrawn following an association with the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products. Redcar and Cleveland Council stated that information from trading standards officials indicated the driver’s prior involvement in selling these items from commercial establishments. A council spokesperson clarified that the authority possessed no evidence suggesting these activities occurred while the individual held a valid taxi licence. While a criminal conviction can lead to a taxi driver’s licence revocation, councils also have the power to withdraw a licence if they deem the individual unsuitable to possess one. The council confirmed that the driver held a private hire licence within the borough for a period of four months prior to its cancellation. A spokesperson reiterated, “We do not have any evidence to suggest that any sale took place while the person was a licensed driver.” In 2022, the council introduced an updated policy mandating taxi drivers to undergo criminal record checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service every six months, a reduction from the previous three-year interval. However, even in the absence of a criminal record, the council retains the discretion to determine that a taxi driver is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. In June, Stockton Council cancelled the licence of a hackney carriage and private hire driver following accusations of sexual harassment and grooming. Although police did not pursue further action, the authority’s licensing committee, operating with a lower standard of proof, stated that he “appeared disingenuous” during questioning by council officers. Rulings to withdraw a licence are subject to appeal in the magistrates courts. Individuals whose taxi licences have been revoked are unable to apply for new licences elsewhere, as their information is recorded on a national database. For updates, follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.