Taxi Driver Online

May 12, 2007 Saturday

Smokers to face taxing times

York Press

LICENSING chiefs are warning taxi drivers to prepare for the smoking ban so they don't fall foul of new laws.

Drivers and their customers are all being warned that the forthcoming legislation does not just cover pubs and clubs and other buildings - it also applies to taxis, private hire vehicles, work vehicles and company cars.

City of York Council is enforcing the ban, and wants to ensure people are aware of how the law applies to them so they don't inadvertently break it.

From July 1, all company and work vehicles - including taxis and private hire vehicles - have to be smoke-free. Drivers cannot smoke in the vehicles, even when they are not carrying passengers.

John Lacy, the council's licensing manager, said: "The law applies even if drivers are not carrying passengers at the time. So even if they are driving the same vehicle for private use, they can't smoke in it."

The same rules apply to delivery vans, lorries and heavy goods vehicles.

Company cars that are used by more than one person for work purposes are also included in the ban - even if they are using the vehicle at different times.

However, if the car is only ever used by one employee and his or her family, then smoking is permitted. The ban does not apply to any private cars - including those which are rented or leased.

Official no smoking signs, available free from the Department of Health, need to be displayed in a prominent position in these vehicles, and managers are responsible for ensuring all work vehicles and company cars are smoke-free and that employees and customers are aware of the ban.

Pubs and clubs across York are preparing to make a range of alterations to their buildings before the smoking ban comes into force this summer.

Many are applying for permission to have outdoor drinking areas before the ban on lighting up in public places becomes law across England on July 1.
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