A private hire firm in Bridlington has ceased trading with immediate effect after an appeal by the operator against the revocation of his licence was withdrawn.
Ian Sharp, of South Dene Hotel in Bridlington and the operator of Q Cars, had his licence revoked in February by East Riding of Yorkshire Council following concerns around issues including safeguarding and public protection; record keeping, his conduct and breaches of his operators’ licence.
Sharp appealed the decision and was allowed to continue to operate but at a hearing at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 15 September, he withdrew his appeal after magistrates told him there was “overwhelming evidence” to support the decision made earlier this year to revoke his licence.
Sharp also has to pay council costs of £5,000.
This is just the second time in 10 years that the council has revoked a private hire operators’ licence and Tina Holtby, interim public protection group manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are delighted that the magistrates recognised all the hard work and overwhelming evidence provided to support the decision in February to revoke this licence.
“However, it is disappointing that Sharp, in this full knowledge, allowed the situation to carry on and continue operating for a further eight months.
“The decision to revoke the licence of the biggest private hire operator in Bridlington was not taken lightly but with the ultimate aim of protecting the public from the actions of an irresponsible operator.
“The council will deal with any breach of law, licensing policy or risks to safeguarding or public safety from licensed operators or drivers in a robust manner.”
* Anyone who has bookings with Q Cars is advised now to contact other private hire companies in the area.
