Mayor says cab business license process could have been handled better

Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. (We will use your first and last name from your profile.)
Trusted Commenting: Facebook connected users automatically become trusted commenters.

Wednesday, May 14, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

The City Council on Tuesday agreed to refund the $45 licensing fee to about 300 cab drivers who already paid while it further studies the issue.

Griffin said it wasn't fair to begin enforcing the business license requirement on drivers without first letting them speak at a public hearing.

"I don't think we have done this well," Griffin said.

The city began licensing cabbies in April. But some drivers allege the requirement was pushed by one company owner in an effort to avoid paying worker's compensation to the State Industrial Insurance System.

If cab drivers must obtain their own business licenses, they could be considered independent contractors and therefore be responsible for paying their own insurance.

Drivers also fear that if Reno proceeds with licensing them, Sparks and Washoe will follow suit. They argued that the added costs would strip them of their livelihoods.