Taxi Driver Online

Drug offender in fight for taxi licence because he's getting married

A Birmingham drug offender has fought a block on him becoming a taxi driver arguing he is about to get married and wants to provide for his family.

Tokheer Farooq was caught with cannabis on him two years ago. He blamed his friend for 'panicking' and throwing it into his lap when police stopped their car, but nevertheless was subsequently convicted for possession.

As a result the 28-year-old from Little Bromwich had his application for a private hire licence refused by Birmingham City Council ruled he was not a 'fit and proper person'.

But at the city's magistrates' court on Thursday, June 17, Mr Farooq appealed the decision.

He said: "I'm living with my parents. I'm looking at getting married soon. I want to provide a good future for my family. My family are also in that trade."

Mr Farooq explained he was experienced in dealing with members of the public through working in an off-licence. Then he gave his account of the drug incident in July 2019, which occurred after he dropped his car off at a mechanics and a friend picked him up.

Mr Farooq said: "On the way home we were stopped by police. My mate panicked and threw the stuff in my lap and the police came and saw it was on my lap.

"I didn't know what to do so I just left it there. They handcuffed both of us, searched the car and took us to the police station. They said if your mate admits it you will walk away free but he didn't admit it."

He added he was 'no longer friends' with the other person.

It was confirmed to the court that Mr Farooq returned a negative drugs test at the police station.

Matthew Cullen, representing the council, said: "When any conviction for drugs is detected during an application the city council always refers it to the licensing sub committee to decide whether this individual should have a licence in light of the conviction.

"They consider if the applicant is a fit and proper person and is prepared to have the special responsibility that comes with being a taxi driver. It demands higher expectations of behaviour."

He stated a drug offence would 'normally' mean a private hire application is refused but added there was 'discretion' based on the age of the conviction among other factors.

Magistrates rejected Mr Farooq's application.

The Chair of the Bench said: "We believe the decision made by the licensing committee was the correct one. We did not hear any new evidence that leads us to believe the original decision was incorrect.

"A taxi driver has a special responsibility which is a higher level than other public sector services."

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IDFIMH

I would never trust anyone who has prior involvement in drugs to steer clear permanently right decision imo

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

But probably most people currently in positions of power have done canabbis at some point in their lives, and a lot worse in many cases, I suspect

which is why they are all so untrustworthy !

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector