Chef Ruth Hansom’s free customer lifts turn into legal headache

But at the end of last year the local council informed the former Young National Chef of the Year, and Acorn Award-winner, who opened Hansom Restaurant in 2024, that what she and her husband were doing was illegal without the correct licence. 

Despite not taking any payment for the car service, the council said it gave the restaurant a commercial benefit and was essentially a private taxi service.  

“We have a five-year lease on the car as a commercial vehicle and that doesn’t include [its use as a] taxi,” Hansom said, having looked into getting a taxi licence. “So we had to stop the service.” 

She added: “I understand the council has legislation to keep people safe, but equally we want to look after our guests.” 

Despite having to cancel the service four months ago, Hansom, fortunately, hasn’t seen a drop in reservations.  

“The locals been fantastic about it – I was quite nervous about cancellations – but they’ve all been really supportive,” she said. 

Hansom said the lifts home were not offered to encourage more bookings, but to ensure guests would enjoy their time at the restaurant – which may well include a glass of wine or two.  

“I’m not saying you have to have a drink to have a good time, but you’re not going for a sandwich at the pub – you’ve come out to have a nice meal and a good time,” said Hansom. 

“For us it was part of the guest experience – how do we continue their evening and get them home safely, so they don’t have to walk two miles home in the cold and the dark?”