Bolton Council revokes private hire driver licence over illicit tobacco convictions

In a decisive move to uphold public safety, the Bolton Council Licensing Committee terminated the private hire vehicle (PHV) licence of a driver convicted of multiple offences related to the sale of illegal tobacco.

The decision was made during the committee's meeting on 5 February, following a thorough review of several taxi and PHV driver licensing renewals.

The driver in question was found guilty on 20 November 2023, of ten charges including the sale and possession for the purpose of supplying illicit tobacco. Acknowledging the gravity of these dishonest and fraudulent offences, the court imposed a community order requiring the driver to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, alongside financial penalties.

The Licensing Committee articulated grave concerns regarding the individual's suitability to operate in a role that frequently involves contact with vulnerable members of the community. This apprehension was further compounded by the driver's failure to disclose his recent conviction on prior licence renewal applications, a lapse that directly contravenes the Council’s Statement of Fitness and Suitability.

According to this statement, a strict stance is maintained against convictions of dishonesty, particularly those occurring within five years of an application, typically resulting in refusal.