Uber Refused Renewal of Licence in Brighton

Uber are not fit and proper to keep Brighton licence.

The licensing panel of Brighton and Hove have refused to renew Uber’s licence.

In a heavily contested application, heard in public on 23 April, the local Private Hire trade representatives said that Uber are not fit and proper to hold an operator’s licence. The recent data breach in America, and the cover-up of it, had serious repercussions world-wide, including Uber passengers in Brighton and Hove. Uber could not escape the consequences of the acts of their ultimate holding company.  The licensing committee agreed. They said:

“While the Panel acknowledges that UBL [the Brighton licence-holder] is a separate legal entity from other Uber companies, the Panel found that the practical reality is that the actions of other Uber companies clearly have relevance to UBL.”

Importantly, the licensing committee was not satisfied that the recent changes of management reported from time to time by Uber were sufficient to provide reassurance that there would not be a repeat of the data breach.

The decision to refuse renewal was also based on Uber having reneged on its undertaking to use only Brighton and Hove licensed drivers in Brighton.  Gerald Gouriet QC submitted that Uber’s persistent use of ‘out of town’ drivers seriously undermined local licensing control, and the Licensing Committee was entitled to refuse to renew the licence on that ground alone. The Committee regarded the breach of undertaking as further evidence that Uber are not fit and proper persons to hold a licence. The panel was understandably concerned that Uber’s web site  appeared to be encouraging potential Brighton drivers to obtain licences  from Lewes District Council, where it is cheaper and easier to be licensed.

Link to the full decision

 

Gerald Gouriet QC represented Brighton and Hove Streamline Limited, Radio Cabs and City Cabs

Charles Holland represented United Taxi Drivers Association and the Brighton Sudanese Taxi Forum

Our sincere thanks go to the Forum members of the Brighton licensed trade:

Brighton and Hove Streamline

Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs

City Cabs

Brighton Private Hire Association

Unite the Union

Brighton Sudanese Taxi Forum

Brighton Branch of the G.M.B. Union

Independent taxi drivers, United Taxi Drivers Association (U.T.D.A.)

… and never forgetting: David Wilson of a2zlicensing, on behalf of CAUTION