Posted on the 3rd February 2026 in PHTM News

BOLTON COUNCIL BLOCKS PRIVATE HIRE LICENCE FOR DRIVER FOLLOWING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST

Bolton Council has rejected a private hire licence application from a man previously arrested on suspicion of strangling his wife, citing significant concerns over public safety.

While the driver’s identity remains confidential, recently published minutes from a licensing committee meeting reveal that the applicant was arrested in 2022 after his wife contacted the police.

Although she later requested that no further action be taken, the committee conducted a thorough review of the incident before reaching their decision.

The driver denied that the assault ever took place, but his testimony failed to convince local officials. The committee stated they did not find his denials "credible" and concluded that, "on the balance of probabilities a serious incident did occur."

This finding led to the determination that the applicant was "not a fit and proper person to hold a licence at this time," as the council prioritises the safety of the travelling public.

The refusal highlights the strict standards applied to those seeking to operate private hire vehicles, with the committee expressing direct concern that the individual "might pose a risk to passengers."

 


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