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Posted on the 11th September 2025 in PHTM News

AYRSHIRE TAXI DRIVERS LICENCE SUSPENDED FOR SECOND SMOKING OFFENCE

A taxi driver in North Ayrshire has had his licence suspended for a week after he was caught smoking in his vehicle for the second time, despite a prior warning.

The suspension was agreed upon during a North Ayrshire Licensing Committee meeting on Wednesday, September 10.

Graham Brown, who has held his licence since 2008 and has no prior public complaints, was first issued a warning letter on May 22 after a similar offence.

On August 1, however, Licensing Standards Officer Drew Robertson observed Mr. Brown smoking a cigarette while driving in Saltcoats and then throwing the butt out the window.

Mr. Robertson stated that Mr. Brown "was seen clearly smoking a cigarette with smoke being blown out of the window."

When later confronted, Mr. Brown admitted he was "in the wrong" and said he was "under stress" due to a recent death in his family.

During the hearing, committee members expressed frustration that Mr. Brown had disregarded their initial warning.

Councillor Christina Larsen stated that 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 agreed to a proposal to suspend Mr. Brown's licence for seven days, a decision that will take effect on October 1.

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