Santa beard breaks health and safety rules

 Bah humbug council bans taxi driver's Santa beard because it breaks health and safety rules

Dave Leonard wanted to dress up as Father Christmas to raise money for the hospice where his mum ded

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Bah humbug: Taxi driver David Leonard of Barnsley who has hit out after being told he can't wear his Santa beard

A taxi driver has been banned by his council from dressing as Santa to raise money for charity because a false white beard would break health and safety rules.
Kind Dave Leonard, 43, was stunned when the council said no to his scheme to make cash for the hospice where his mum died.
Although lights, baubles and his Santa suit were allowed, his council in Barnsley, South Yorks, drew the line at the beard as he wouldn’t match his ID card.
Council bosses explained it would stop people being able to identify the dad-of-three and wouldn’t match his ID card.
The dad-of-three, of Hoyland, South Yorks, said: “There are strict rules and I understand they have to be.

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Real thing: Father Christmas

“But the one thing I thought they would allow was Santa’s beard. I have had to grow my own, which isn’t as good. Mine is dark.”
Councillor Roy Miller said: “Barnsley Council fully supports Mr Leonard in his fundraising efforts, and congratulates him on the amount of money he has raised previously for good causes.
"Safety of the public is our paramount concern.”
Last year married Dave, a cabbie for the last 20 years, raised £765 with just a bucket collection and was this Christmas aiming to top the £2,500 mark.
The festive fundraiser can be seen driving around in his eight-seated bus decked out with Christmas lights, garlands of flowers, snowmen and reindeer.

Source:Mirror