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Alcoholic drinks in cabs
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Author:  metalmickey [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Alcoholic drinks in cabs
Hi everybody, am new to the forums and have tried searching for this before posting, to no avail.

Might be a bit of taxi driver myth, but I heard that it was illegal for anyone to have an open alcoholic drink in a car, i know this is the case in America, but have searched the web and have found no applicable uk law.

I have the unfortunate displeasure of driving a ph in Blackpool, and often have "discussions" with passengers and get all the usual "I won't spill it" etc. If it was a legal matter then it would be easier to point this out to passenger, I'm getting a little fed up of being given abuse by idiots who want to drink cans of stella in my cab. I know that we can refuse fares, however the owner of the company I drive for fines drivers for the slightest thing and he never listens to drivers, only customers. :x

Any advice would be appreciated. :-)
Author:  Sussex [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Alcoholic drinks in cabs
metalmickey wrote:
Might be a bit of taxi driver myth, but I heard that it was illegal for anyone to have an open alcoholic drink in a car, i know this is the case in America, but have searched the web and have found no applicable uk law.

It may be in your bylaws/conditions, but not in any act.

I think if anyone takes any folks with opened beer cans/bottles, then they are a tad daft.

Which I suppose over the years mean all of us. :roll:
Author:  smiffyz (geoff) [ Sat Feb 24, 2007 4:44 am ]
Post subject: 
There's so many bye laws as sussex said, no-one would know you were fibbing if you said it was law anyway :wink:

The "i wont spill it/open it" brigade dont realise how costly it is to have to nip to a 24hr garage at 2am to try to vac it dry! Our marshals sort it out before we pick up at the office most of the time, it's eat/drink it before you get in or walk, most punters are ok about it now, their used to it.
Author:  metalmickey [ Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the advice guys, There is a local byelaw about drinking on street, I think I'll quote that to them, see if that works. The firm I drive for don't have marshalls and the majority of the offenders are actually from home addresses! :?
Author:  edders23 [ Sat Feb 24, 2007 11:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
At the end of the day it is difficult to stop people opening up bottles or cans I've had people crack open bottles of champagne before now ! they never ask just assume it is ok to do it even though I have no drinking signs up in the vehicle

The only thing you can do is to ask them before the journey starts not to open up their cans or bottles of drink.

Although taxis are "licensed" there is nothing within the terms and conditions of your license that prohibits the consumption of alcohol within your vehicle well certainly not round here anyway. So unless there are specific byelaws referred to in the terms and conditions of your license it isn't illegal
Author:  Stinky Pete [ Sun Feb 25, 2007 5:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Alcoholic drinks in cabs
Sussex wrote:
metalmickey wrote:
Might be a bit of taxi driver myth, but I heard that it was illegal for anyone to have an open alcoholic drink in a car, i know this is the case in America, but have searched the web and have found no applicable uk law.

It may be in your bylaws/conditions, but not in any act.

I think if anyone takes any folks with opened beer cans/bottles, then they are a tad daft.

Which I suppose over the years mean all of us. :roll:



If your town/city has a byelaw stating that drinking in a public place such as a street. ie walking round town with a beer or can is an offence, the same applies to a taxi as the inside of a taxi is a public place
Author:  rambo [ Tue Feb 27, 2007 7:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
I tell the punters it's part of the regulations that they can't have open containers in the car.
We have heard it all before "I promise I won't spill it guv".
Author:  kermit2482 [ Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Certainly illegal to provide unless you have the required licences, however consumption is a different kettle of fish, however i think if you have a simple sign up then and ask that the customer adheres to it then it should be problem solved.
Author:  JD [ Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Alcoholic drinks in cabs
metalmickey wrote:
Hi everybody, am new to the forums and have tried searching for this before posting, to no avail.

Might be a bit of taxi driver myth, but I heard that it was illegal for anyone to have an open alcoholic drink in a car, i know this is the case in America, but have searched the web and have found no applicable uk law.


If my memory serves me well the 1976 act doesn't make any provision for private hire refusing to take a passenger, therefore any reference would only come by way of conditions. Therefore you don't have to take anyone who you feel might soil your vehicle or presents a danger, by having a bottle or can?

Regards

JD
Author:  cabby john [ Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
There is only one law as far as I am concerned and that is safety - well that is my excuse.

We have all been there - passenger gets into the car absolutely fine - 2 mins later cannot get a word out straight.

By allowing that one extra drink it could put them over the top, and then you do not know what you are dealing with, so cut the odds by making the simple statement - sorry but you are not getting into my cab with any achohol. If you get the " it's shut" then it comes in the front with me - or it goes in the car boot.

If enough drivers keep on telling them, they will get the message, the same goes for takeaway food
Author:  rambo [ Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
cabby john wrote;
Quote:
If enough drivers keep on telling them, they will get the message, the same goes for takeaway food

We have a kebab shop next to our office and it's a bloody nightmare!. "I promise I won't start eating it, even though i'm going on a half hour journey", yeah, right.
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