Pub’s Charity Cab Service Shut Down by Council
A Good Deed That Got Stopped
A landlord in Kent tried to do something really good for his community and charity, but the local council told him to stop.
Paul Hartfield runs The Flying Horse pub in Smarden. He bought an old London black cab to give his customers a safe ride home after a few drinks. Instead of charging money, he asked for small donations to help the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The charity is important because one of his regular customers was diagnosed with the disease.
How the Charity Cab Worked
Mr. Hartfield started the service in November 2025. He called it a way to help “merry punters” get home safely. It wasn’t a business to make money—every penny went to charity. In just a few months, they raised more than £700 for the cause.
The idea was also about keeping the pub’s “community-first” spirit alive, especially during tough times for pubs.
Why the Council Stepped In
The problem started after a newspaper wrote about the charity cab. Ashford Borough Council then got involved. They said the vehicle needed a formal private hire licence to operate, even though it wasn’t making a profit.
Officials told Mr. Hartfield that asking for donations to charity still counts as a “commercial benefit.” Basically, they argued that getting a service (a ride home) in exchange for a payment (the donation) means the activity needs to be licensed, regardless of where the money goes.
Community Backs the Pub
Local customers are furious about the council’s decision. One regular called it “pure jobsworth nonsense,” meaning it feels like pointless rule-enforcing without common sense.
Mr. Hartfield is really disappointed. He told The Telegraph it feels “mean-spirited” to stop a charity effort. He’s also worried about the bigger picture for pubs, saying rising costs and government policies are making things harder.
What Happens Now?
The council has confirmed they are talking with Mr. Hartfield about the issue. For now, the charity cab service has been halted. The landlord says he’s “not quite sure what I’m going to do” next.
The story has sparked debate about whether rules meant for commercial taxis should apply to small, charity-driven community projects.
Image Credit: www.phtm.co.uk
