(a) Under the authority of G.S. section 160A-304, a criminal records background check is required for all applicants for a permit to operate or drive a taxicab under this article, in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Such criminal records background check shall include fingerprinting of the applicant and state and national checks to be conducted by the police department in conformity with state law. The result of the background check can determine the suitability of the applicant.
(b) If, as a result of this background check, the character and responsibility of the applicant appear to be satisfactory, the police chief shall issue a permit.
(c) The police chief shall not issue a permit required by this article to any person who, as a result of the investigation and background check:
(1) Appears to be of unsatisfactory character; or
(2) As a result of the criminal background check, is deemed by the police chief to be unfit to drive a taxicab for hire within the city; or
(3) Has been convicted of unlawfully selling intoxicating liquors or narcotic drugs; or
(4) Is an excessive user of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs; or
(5) Has been convicted of driving while impaired; or
(6) Has a driving record which would endanger the public; or
(7) As a result of the criminal background check, is deemed by the police chief council to be unfit to conduct a business for which the license is applied.
(d) Prior to denial or termination of a permit under this article based upon criminal history records information received from the police department, the City of Marion shall verify the existence of a record by either obtaining a certified public record or by submitting a fingerprint card of the individual to the criminal information and identification section of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for verification that the criminal history records information belongs to the individual.
(Ord. No. O-03-02-18-4, § 2, 2-18-03; Ord. No. O-06-04-04-3, § 2, 4-4-06)