North Ayrshire taxi drivers who lit up are given a warning
Smoking in cabs landed two taxi drivers in bother at North Ayrshire Licensing Committee on Wednesday.
Graham Brown appeared on a taxi licensing breach.
Drew Robertson, Civic Licensing Standards Officer said: 'Mr Brown failed to adhere to North Ayrshire Licensing conditions on smoking policy. The incident took place on Thursday, March 6 at 12.45pm at the Asda petrol station in Harbour Road, Ardrossan.
He has held a licence since February 2008 and it is valid until January of next year.
There had been no previous complaints against him recorded by the public,
The official added: 'Mr Brown was observed by me in a Skoda at the petrol station smoking with the window open. He offered no explanation and appeared clearly aware of policy.
'It was dry - he could have stood outside. He knew if action was taken he would receive notification.'
Mr Brown said: 'It was really cold, I usually do not smoke in the car as I tell my drivers not to, I had just dropped off at Asda and Mr Robertson came out.
'I have been a driver for nearly 23 years and this is not a common occurrence. There is no excuse for it.
"I usually have a break and a cigarette and then stand outside the car."
Cllr Christina Larsen proposed a warning letter saying it should send a message that this was not acceptable.
This was seconded by cllr Ronnie Stalker and seconded by the committee.
Daniel Stewart was also charged with breaching the licensing conditions through smoking. He was accused of smoking in his car on March 29.
He said: 'I can only apologise for my breach of the licensing conditions. If you just call it complacency.
' I used to drive for my brother-in-law and one of the first things he told me was not to smoke in his taxi and I was always been obedient with these rules. I was doing the same in my own car but have been a bit complacent of late and can only assure you that it won't happen again.'
Cllr Larsen wondered why complacency had set in as this was also his first time before the committee.
He said the particular location he was caught smoking in was next to a main road and since then he had been parking up side streets so he could step out safely for a cigarette.
Cllr Larsen proposed a warning letter, saying complacency was not acceptable. This was seconded by cllr Ronnie Stalker and unanimously agreed by the committee.
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