Any license or privilege issued hereunder to operate or to drive any vehicle for public hire may be suspended for a period not to exceed sixty days by the Director of Public Safety and Service for the following causes:
(a) When subsequent investigation proves that the record of a taxicab owner or driver of a taxicab, is unsatisfactory or that statements made in an application for license or registration are false, or that Section 721.07 is being violated.
(b) When the Owner, his agents or employees fail to drive vehicles for public hire in accordance with this chapter or other ordinances of the City or the laws of the State of Ohio.
(c) When the Owner, his agents or employees (taxicab driver) shall drive a vehicle for public hire while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or he or they shall act in an improper or insulting manner toward passengers or others.
(d) When a Owner, his agents or employees shall permit a vehicle for public hire to be used for any immoral or illegal purpose.
(e) When the Owner shall cease to operate such vehicle for public hire in the City for a period of thirty consecutive days without first obtaining the consent, in writing, of the Director.
(f) When the Owner shall fail to keep on deposit with the City a liability insurance policy as hereinbefore required.
(g) Knowingly permitting the operation of a taxicab which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property.
Prior to suspension, except in the case of cancellation or termination of insurance coverage, the holder of a license shall be given three days notice, in writing, and shall have an opportunity to be heard by the Director. The Director shall report the suspension to Council at its first meeting after the date of the suspension. Council shall then set a date for a public hearing and the Director shall notify all parties concerned of such date. The person whose license has been suspended or revoked shall have the opportunity to appear before Council and present evidence in support of their case. Council shall have the authority to set aside or affirm such suspension or may extend or reduce such suspension for a greater or lesser period of time, or may revoke entirely the license to operate or privilege to drive vehicles for public hire within and from the City after all evidence has been presented to it by the parties affected at the public hearing or at any continuation thereof.
(Ord. 09-11. Passed 4-26-11.)