Chester taxi driver fined after refusing assistance dogs for blind passengers and faces licence scrutiny
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 12
- 1 min read
A Chester-based taxi driver has been fined after refusing to take two blind passengers travelling with assistance dogs earlier this year.
Nozir Rahman, 31, who works for KingKabs, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates’ Court on 10 September 2025 to one offence under section 170 of the Equality Act 2010. The court heard that Rahman declined to carry a blind customer because he had an assistance dog with him.
The incident happened in February 2025. The complainant’s partner called KingKabs to book a taxi to Chester Railway Station, clearly stating that both passengers would be travelling with assistance dogs. Rahman arrived at the pick-up point but refused to take the dogs and left the scene.
Following the incident, KingKabs notified Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Licensing Authority. Rahman was subsequently interviewed under caution.
During the investigation, Rahman gave three differing explanations for refusing the fare. One was given to the complainant, another to his employer and a third to licensing officers.
He was fined a total of £580, which included an £80 victim surcharge and £300 in prosecution costs.
Under section 170 of the Equality Act 2010, licensed drivers are legally required to accept assistance dogs unless they hold a medical exemption certificate under section 171. These responsibilities are covered in driver training.
Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed that Rahman’s case will now be referred to the General Licensing Sub-Committee. The panel will assess whether he remains a “fit and proper” person to hold a taxi licence in the area.
