Judge backs council in taking away boss's taxi licence

Burnley Council's decision to revoke a private hire operator's licence has been upheld by a judge.

In dismissing Saeed Mahmood’s appeal against the decision, District Judge James Clarke awarded the council costs of £3,067.60.

Mr Mahmood, the proprietor of A1 Tiger private hire which operates from Church Street, had his licence revoked by the council’s licensing committee after he failed to properly maintain his booking register.

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The committee took into account the fact that Mr Mahmood had obstructed council enforcement officers who were investigating allegations that A1 Tiger drivers had been illegally plying for hire.

Judge Clarke said that inconsistencies in Mr Mahmood’s evidence were “significant”. The judge said he was not satisfied that the committee was wrong in finding that there were grounds for concern over Mr Mahmood’s fitness based upon his honesty, and which went beyond poor business practice and record keeping.

Licensing committee chairman Coun. Saeed Chaudhary said: “The decision sends out a clear message to operators who fail to adhere to the conditions attached to licences.”