Taxi driver instructed to take away Santa beard over well being and security
A taxi driver has criticised council officers after they banned him from carrying a Santa beard over well being and security fears.
Brian Makwana, 37, has been dressing up as Father Christmas to unfold festive cheer for his clients in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
However the South Kesteven District Council licensing crew have now ordered him to take away his faux white beard “for the security of the general public”.
The ruling got here after a passenger complained to the council, saying they have been unable to determine Brian as a result of the beard lined his options.
Learn extra: Pensioner, 89, with £1.67 in bank left with ‘eggs on toast for Christmas’
Brian – who celebrates his thirty eighth birthday on Christmas Day – was instructed the foundations said his face should match his official ID badge.
He mentioned he could be pressured to scrap his ‘Santa Taxi’ which he had deliberate to drive round city till the brand new yr.
Dad-of-three Brian mentioned: “With out the complete costume it simply doesn’t have the identical impact.
“I get waves from members of the general public on the road and in vehicles, each younger and previous.
“However since I’m not carrying my beard, I get nothing as they simply suppose it’s an individual carrying a Santa hat.
“In any case it was council and authorities recommendation about carrying a masks and this was deemed acceptable so what’s the distinction, as you may see my eyes and the facet of my face?
“I simply suppose it’s very petty and short-sighted of the council.
“Moreover, the dimensions of my photograph on my badge which hangs round my neck while driving is simply seen ought to a buyer lean in intently or request to see it, which has by no means occurred.”
Learn extra: Grandma, 63, defends charging family for Christmas dinner: ‘I’m not Scrooge’
In a bid to get across the beard ban, Brian colored his regular beard with white hair spray, however he says it “flakes badly and doesn’t final very lengthy”.
Brian, who works for CB Taxis, says he’s nonetheless “decided to proceed to place a smile on folks’s faces”.
He added: “It makes me really feel that some folks want extra Christmas cheer to assist them as a result of they’re feeling so unhealthy or low to should complain about one thing like this.”
South Kesteven District Council mentioned it’s not its “intention to spoil the festivities” however the “security of the general public should all the time be the important thing precedence”.
A spokesperson mentioned: “The photograph on a driver’s identification badge provides passengers reassurance, if wanted.
“Subsequently, we ask that any merchandise of clothes that makes it tough to determine a driver, should not be worn.”
Source link