A private hire vehicle driver has had his licence revoked after Stockton-on-Tees councillors ruled he was no longer a “fit and proper person” to hold one — following a drunken phone call to council licensing officers.
The Incident
The General Licensing Committee met on 27 May 2025 to consider the case of the driver, who had held his private hire licence since 2015. The hearing heard that in February, the man phoned Stockton Council’s licensing team while clearly intoxicated.
Officers described him as having slurred speech and struggling to stay on topic. During the call, the driver was not logged into any operator system or undertaking work.
When questioned later, the driver admitted he may have been “a bit squiffy” after attending a party the previous evening.
A History of Warnings
The committee was told this was not his first alcohol-related issue. He had previously received written warnings in November 2016 and September 2024 for similar concerns.
A medical report submitted to the council also raised inconsistencies in his alcohol consumption. The driver told his GP that he drank 14 units a week, but told licensing officers he could drink “two ten-packs of lager” in the same period.
In another phone call in April, the driver again appeared drunk and reportedly told officers he could drink whenever he liked because he was “a fully grown man.” Following that conversation, his licence was suspended pending review.
The Committee’s Decision
After reviewing the evidence, councillors ruled the driver’s behaviour demonstrated a “pattern of disregard for professional standards.” They also noted his failure to attend a medical appointment to monitor high blood pressure as another concern about his suitability.
The panel concluded that holding a private hire licence is a privilege, not a right, and public safety must remain their top priority. The driver’s suspension was lifted, and his licence revoked with immediate effect.
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