Tamworth Borough Council published on Monday 19 October 2026 that it had prosecuted Stephen Turner for smoking in a licensed hackney carriage.
Turner was licensed as a taxi driver with the council when he smoked in the vehicle on 30 May 2025. Smoking there was an offence under section 7 of the Health Act 2006, which covers a smoke-free place. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice. When the notice was not paid, the council prosecuted. He is no longer a taxi driver with the council.
The court
The case went to Cannock Magistrates' Court under the Single Justice Procedure on 9 June 2026, and the offence was proved. Turner was fined £60, ordered to pay £150 in costs and a £24 victim surcharge, £234 in all.
The licence
BirminghamLive reported later the same day that Turner is from Burntwood. The council told the paper his licence had expired before the case reached court, and that he did not apply to renew it.
A reminder to drivers
Councillor David Foster, portfolio holder for environmental sustainability, recycling and waste, said: "People using licensed taxis should be able to expect a clean and safe environment when they make their journey. Licensed drivers have a responsibility to comply with the law and the standards expected of them. Smoking in a licensed vehicle is not acceptable, and where offences are identified the council can take appropriate action. In this case, a fixed penalty notice was initially issued but was not paid, leading the council to pursue prosecution. The successful prosecution should serve as a clear reminder that these requirements need to be taken seriously. We would encourage all licensed drivers to make sure they understand and follow the rules that apply to their vehicles."
The council licenses hackney carriage and private hire drivers under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. The smoke-free law took effect in July 2007. With few exceptions, it prohibits smoking in enclosed or substantially enclosed public places, workplaces, and public and work vehicles.