Concerns about the dangers of drunk “antics” on board limousines dominated a council debate on a new directive for the licensing of luxury vehicles in Solihull.
Questions arose this week on how to keep teenagers – who are often chauffeured to school balls – from stashing alcohol in their “bags or purses”.
The license chiefs noted concerns about the wrongdoing, but warned that the drivers could enforce certain restrictions.
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The new policy was drafted at a time when many limo operators are trying to get back into business as lockdown restrictions wear off.
Anne Bettison, from the council’s licensing team, said the document was tailored for these fleets because “a sedan is obviously a very different type of vehicle than your average Vauxhall Zafira or Audi A6.”
Though it was the issue of underage alcohol consumption and where the responsibility for avoiding problems was that preoccupied the licensing committee this week.
Cllr Peter Hogarth (Con, Silhill) cited concerns about people “screaming and screaming” from the sunroof and underage customers smuggling alcohol into the vehicle.
Cllr Peter Hogarth (Con, Silhill) said he was concerned about cases of drinks being smuggled onto limousines by teenagers.
(Image: Solihull Council)
“When I’ve seen these cars, it’s usually young people who are having fun, to put it bluntly,” he said.
“And I thought it would be quite difficult for the driver to control some of the antics going on in these vehicles.”
He continued, “I think we have to be very careful … it could be a problem, I think it needs to be monitored.”
Ms. Bettison suggested that there might be some difficulty in enforcing certain conditions – noting that operators couldn’t “search” passengers before they entered.
“I fully accept your concerns – I agree with them – but I don’t think it’s a limo driver’s responsibility.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
“A 14- to 15-year-old could take what appears to be a Coke can [but is actually alcohol] to a park and drink that, I don’t think it’s any different. “
Cllr. Jean Hamilton (Green, Smith’s Wood) felt that the existing formulation already addressed the issue of underage alcohol use and was concerned to try to add other conditions.
“I would be very interested if the limo driver is fully focused on getting this limo somewhere safe,” she said.
“And if he has to be careful that his risk assessment is carried out, I think that will distract him.”
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Finally, lawyers suggested formulating a condition that the assessment carried out should ensure “no alcohol consumption by children”.
Cllr James Butler, who chaired the meeting, told colleagues that he felt this was “about as far as we can go” and that there could be risks in introducing stricter controls than taxis the case is.
“It comes down to the practicality and, to some extent, the legality of what operators and drivers can do,” he said.
“And where this would apply in other areas. We have young people who go into a variety of public and private areas and we have neither the right nor the legal basis for contesting and searching.”
A majority of the city councils agreed to adapt the wording and then voted unanimously in favor of the directive.
It is used by officials on applications from across the industry, but particularly contentious issues continue to be submitted to the committee for consideration.
