A pub landlord who bought a black cab to offer free taxi rides home for customers has been ordered to stop the service by his local council. Paul Hartfield, who runs The Flying Horse in Smarden, near Ashford, launched the free pub taxi service in November to help patrons travel safely home after enjoying a drink. However, officials at Ashford Borough Council have now told the landlord to cease operations because he does not have the necessary taxi licence.
The service had been operating for three months when the council intervened. According to the pub, Mr Hartfield gives punters a lift as long as they live no more than three miles away, with the initiative making no profit for the business. Instead, passengers are encouraged to make donations to charity, with the pub raising £700 for the MND Association since the service began.
Council Shuts Down Free Pub Taxi Service
Mr Hartfield, who used to own a black cab garage and drives the taxi himself, recently took over The Flying Horse from his daughter Natasha. The landlord explained that the initiative was designed to keep the venue’s community-first spirit going. Since starting the taxi service, he has already helped approximately 100 people get home safely.
However, Ashford Borough Council contacted the business to inform them that the service constitutes private hire activity. The council confirmed they asked the business to cease the service in the absence of relevant licences. Additionally, they provided information on private hire licensing requirements to help the business comply with current legislation.
Landlord Disputes Council Decision
Mr Hartfield was left shocked by the council’s decision and is now seeking advice from a lawyer. He sees no difference between what he is doing and offering a friend a lift home. The pub issued a statement explaining their understanding was that licences were for hire and reward, neither of which apply to their situation.
The statement emphasized that customers do not book rides home and do not pay for the service. Meanwhile, the landlord argued that as The Flying Horse is a small, family-run village pub, the customers are his friends and he is simply taking a few friends home after a drink. He compared the situation to child minders who carry children in their vehicles daily without needing special taxi licences.
Community Safety Concerns Behind Council Action
A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council said they recognize the good intentions behind the pub taxi service and the charitable community fundraising. Nevertheless, the council stated they must balance good intentions with regulatory responsibilities as the licensing authority. The council explained that a business providing a car for hire with the services of a driver, with or without direct payment of money, is a licensable activity.
The council cited public safety as the primary concern. They stated that private hire licensing ensures drivers, vehicles, and operators are safe and suitable through checks relating to driver backgrounds, vehicle standards, and appropriate insurance. However, exemptions to the requirements do exist, typically limited to services such as funeral cars, wedding cars, and care workers transporting clients under their care.
Mr Hartfield pointed out that the roads around the area are poor, with many potholes, limited pavements, and no lighting. He maintained that the free taxi service is not a business venture and has very small impact on pub operations. The Cage Lane pub, which is owned by Faversham-based brewer Shepherd Neame, had planned to continue raising funds for the MND Association for six months before switching to a new charity.
The council’s licensing team remains open to assisting the business should they wish to apply for the relevant licence. It remains unclear whether Mr Hartfield will pursue formal licensing or challenge the council’s decision through legal channels.
