Pubs could be fined thousands for offering free lifts

Pubs offering free lifts to customers will have to end the service or face licensing costs running into thousands of pounds if a local authority ruling is applied nationally.

East Riding council in Hull has ordered pubs offering free rides to apply for taxi licences - a move that has met widespread criticism.

Now the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA), The Portman Group, local police and pub customers have all offered support to publican Roger Mitchell of the Ship Inn in Shiptonthorpe, who has pledged to fight the ruling.

Free lifts to and from the pub have been introduced in many areas with poor public transport services and have been widely praised for helping to reduce drink-driving.

However, East Riding council has written to four pubs instructing them to apply for a licence or stop ferrying customers to and from the pub.

The decision follows a High Court case when a judge ruled that free pick-up and collection provided by a hotel group was a commercial service that should be licensed accordingly. East Riding is thought to be the first council to apply the ruling to pubs.

Mr Mitchell bought a people carrier to take the Ship's darts and pool teams to away games. The service was soon extended to make life easier for regulars. "The last bus goes through at 6.30pm and it's impossible to get a taxi," said Mr Mitchell. "I'm not gaining any commercial advantage and it stops people from driving when they're over the limit."

Mr Mitchell said that as well as the £400 annual cost of licensing the vehicle, he would also have to pay to become a licensed taxi operator.

"The costs would run into thousands," he said.

A spokesman for East Riding council said: "The licensing process is in place to secure the safety and welfare of those travelling."

The FLVA has said it will raise the issue at ministerial level in support of Mr Mitchell and other publicans. The Portman Group, which is currently running the "I'll be Des" campaign, has written to Mr Mitchell in support of his stand.