Taxi driver has licence suspended after smoking in cabhttps://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/25 ... oking-cab/A THREE Towns taxi driver who was caught smoking in his cab for the second time has had his licence suspended for a week.
Graham Brown was accused of “disregarding” a warning issued after the previous occasion he committed the offence.
He appeared before North Ayrshire Council's Licensing Committee on Wednesday on a charge of failing to adhere to taxi licensing conditions and smoking policy.
The incident took place last month on Sorbie Road, Ardrossan at its junction with High Road, Saltcoats.
Mr Brown has held a licence since February 2008 and it remains valid until January 31, 2026. He has received no complaints from the public.
He previously appeared at a Licensing Committee meeting in May after being seen smoking in his taxi. At that time, he was issued a warning letter.
The committee heard: “At 12.48pm on August 1, I observed him in Sorbie Road approaching a red traffic light signal at the junction with High Road, Saltcoats.
“He was seen clearly smoking a cigarette with smoke being blown out of the window. After 15 seconds, the cigarette butt was thrown onto the roadway and the vehicle headed towards Stevenston.
“I initially sent Mr Brown an email which was not acknowledged and contacted him by mobile a few days later and explained the circumstances. He acknowledged he was in the wrong and said he was under stress.
“No smoking is permitted in a taxi vehicle irrespective of whether or not it is on hire.”
Mr Brown said: “I don’t smoke when I work in a taxi. I was on a couple of days’ holiday and Mr Robertson caught me obviously.
“I had a death in the family and so was a bit stressed out. Hands up, I cannot say I didn’t do it.”
Chair Eleanor Collier said: “I’m sorry to hear you have personal circumstances but the warning letter issued last time was quite clear. If you had another offence then that would be taken into consideration.”
Cllr Christina Larsen said: “The last time you were here you told us it was the first time you had ever done it - and clearly it wasn’t the last time.
“What it feels like to the committee is that you totally disregarded the warning shot that was fired to you less than three months ago. I would be happy to propose we suspend Mr Brown’s licence for seven days.”
The proposal was seconded by Councillor Donald L Reid and unanimously agreed by the committee. The week-long suspension will start from October 1.
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