Man given £100 fine for smoking in taxi office

Michael Hartley, 53, of Homestead, Bamber Bridge, was spotted with a lit cigarette in the offices of DB Taxis in Factory Lane, Penwortham, by council officials. He was found guilty in his absence at Leyland Magistrates Court and fined £100.

Today, a spokesman for the firm said Hartley no longer worked for them. The court heard how licensing and environmental officers smelt cigarette smoke throughout the office, kitchen and toilet, and found three butts on the floor under the kitchen sink when they visited the premises on September 4 last year. Hartley was the only person in the office at the time.
South Ribble Council's licensing official and a taxi licensing officer revisited the premises on September 16 and saw Hartley standing by the counter with a lit cigarette in his hand.

He was served with a £30 fixed penalty notice if he paid within 15 days, or £50 within 29 days.When he failed to pay, the council wrote to him and gave him another seven days.