A North Ayrshire taxi driver has had his licence suspended for one week after he was caught smoking in his cab for the second time, despite previously being issued with a formal warning.
The suspension was confirmed at a North Ayrshire Licensing Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 10 September.
Repeat Offence After Warning
Graham Brown, who has held a taxi licence since 2008 and has no history of passenger complaints, first came to the committee’s attention in May this year. On 22 May, he was issued with a warning letter after being spotted smoking in his vehicle – a clear breach of licensing conditions and smoking regulations.
However, on 1 August, Licensing Standards Officer Drew Robertson observed Mr Brown again smoking a cigarette while driving in Saltcoats, before discarding the butt out of the window. Mr Robertson told the committee that the driver “was seen clearly smoking a cigarette with smoke being blown out of the window.”
When challenged, Mr Brown admitted fault, explaining that he had been “under stress” following a recent bereavement.
Committee Response
Councillors expressed disappointment that Mr Brown had failed to take the earlier warning seriously. Councillor Christina Larsen said:
“It feels like to the committee… you totally disregarded the warning shot that was fired to you less than three months ago.”
The committee unanimously voted to suspend Mr Brown’s licence for seven days, with the suspension due to take effect on 1 October 2025.
Smoking in Licensed Vehicles
By law, taxi and private hire drivers are prohibited from smoking in their vehicles at any time, even when passengers are not present. Councils across Scotland have the power to issue fines, warnings, or suspensions when drivers fail to comply.
This case serves as a reminder that local authorities are prepared to take firm action against breaches, particularly when drivers ignore prior warnings.
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