§ 162-53. Unlawful use of vehicles for hire by businesses and their employees.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any agent or employee of any entity required to have an occupation tax license pursuant to section 150-951, et seq., to direct patrons to any unlicensed and/or un-permitted vehicle for hire, or for any entity required to have an occupation tax license pursuant to section 150-951, et seq., to knowingly permit or allow any of its agents or employees to direct patrons to any unlicensed and/or un-permitted vehicle for hire.

(b)

In addition, it shall be unlawful for any agent or employee of any entity required to have an occupation tax license pursuant to section 150-951, et seq., to allow a vehicle, which is not pre-arranged, to stage. For purposes of this section, stage shall mean to stop, park, or otherwise place a vehicle for hire, other than a taxicab, in the loading or curbside area of any business required to have an occupation tax license pursuant to section 150-951, et seq., when the vehicle is not engaged in a pre-arranged round trip or one-way fare. Prearrangement, as required by this subsection, shall be via a communicated contract prior to pick-up, evidenced by a properly completed trip sheet. The trip sheet shall include, but not be limited to, the guest's name, number of passengers to be picked up, time of pick up, final destination, hotel room number, if applicable, and a valid contact phone number. Vehicle for hire operators shall make said trip sheets available for verification by employees of the pickup location, as well as all law enforcement agencies. In addition, said trip sheets shall be completed prior to arrival at the pickup location.

(c)

It shall be unlawful for any agent or employee of any entity required to have an occupational tax license pursuant to [section] 150-951, et seq., to request, demand, or accept any gratuity from a for hire operator in order to procure a fare, whether pre-arranged or not.

(d)

It shall be unlawful for any taxicab or for hire operator to offer a gratuity, tip, or any other compensation, in order to procure a fare, whether pre-arranged or not.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 24840, § 1, 4-19-12)