Next time you use your vape in a taxi in Shepton Mallet, you could find yourself in hot water with the council.

Mendip District Council has approved a ban on vaping, electronic cigarettes and other such devices in its taxis, following a vote by its licensing board on Wednesday evening (February 12).

The change means that neither drivers nor passengers can use e-cigarettes in any taxi, Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle which is licensed by the council.

The authority believes the policy will "improve public safety and protect our communities". Jack Godley, the council's senior licensing officer, said the existing ban on smoking in vehicles would be extended to include any "alternative devices" – including electronic cigarettes and vape pens, regardless of whether or not they include nicotine.

He said in his written report: "This policy provides consistency in decision making and transparency in how we carry out our responsibilities."

In a survey of taxi drivers carried out by the council in late-2019, 85 per cent of drivers were in favour of vaping or use of e-cigarettes being "banned at all times in licensed vehicles".

The council has said it will take swift action against any party caught violating this new ban.

A spokesperson said: "Anyone found to be vaping in licensed vehicles will be dealt with under the taxi penalty point system only. They will not be prosecuted because it's not an illegal activity.

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"However, smoking is illegal in taxis, and anyone caught smoking in a licenced vehicle will receive a fixed penalty notice.

"Last month a taxi driver licensed by this council pleaded guilty to an offence of smoking in a smoke-free place, under Section 7(2) of the Health Act 2006. The licensed driver was seen smoking while driving a taxi.

"They were ordered to pay a more than £350 after failing to pay a £50 fixed penalty notice."