I'm certainly not a smoker, nor a fan of smoking in any way, shape or form. But the sanctimony here
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
North Ayrshire taxi driver suspended for smoking in cab
https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/26 ... oking-cab/
A TAXI driver caught smoking in his vehicle for the second time has been handed a suspension after failing to take heed of a written warning.
Alister Gill appeared before North Ayrshire Council's Licensing Committee last week for failing to adhere to the taxi licensing conditions smoking policy.
The offence occurred at Manse Street, Saltcoats on July 18.
Mr Gill has held his licence since 2007 and it is valid until June 30, 2028. There were no previous complaints against him by members of the public.
On January 8 last year, Mr Gill appeared before the Licensing Committee after smoking in his vehicle on November 11, 2024.
It was decided to deal with this by way of a written warning and not suspend his licence.
In the recent incident, he was observed on July 18 in his Skoda vehicle in a built-up area in excellent
conditions for driving, travelling at a slow speed.
He was alone in his vehicle with the driver’s window partially down and was seen smoking a cigarette, which he held in his right hand. His journey concluded at Aldi, where he picked up a hire.
On July 20, licensing standards officer Drew Robertson traced him to Stevenston Cross, spoke to him and told him he would be reported to the committee.
The North Ayrshire Council policy says no smoking is permitted in a licensed vehicle. This applies to the driver and passenger and covers both cigarettes and vapes.
Mr Robertson told the committee they could revoke or suspend his licence or invite him to a further hearing to see whether it was justified. He could also receive a warning letter or no action might be taken against him.
Responding, Mr Gill, a taxi driver since 1995, vowed he would not smoke in his cab again and added the hearing was “worse than going to the dentist”.
Cllr Christina Larsen told him he had chosen to ignore the warning letter. She said he had driven taxis for a long time and should be aware of the licensing regulations.
Mr Gill said he cut down on his smoking and it wouldn’t happen again.
Cllr Larsen said the first letter appeared to have zero impact on him and asked him if that was the case. He agreed it had no impact then but insisted it would now.
Committee chair Eleanor Collier said she was concerned that after smoking he then picked up a live hire.
Cllr Larsen proposed to suspend the licence for three weeks and said: “You can’t just repeat the offence and not expect to get some kind of penalty, and smoking in taxis is not something we are prepared to allow.”
She was seconded by Cllr Donald L Reid and the decision was unanimously agreed by the committee. This order will take effect in 28 days.
