But their increased popularity, largely due to hen and stag night events, has forced Doncaster Council to impose new regulations to control them.
The rules will allow the council to ensure that drivers, owners and operators of limousine companies ar
e suitably qualified and equipped to carry passengers safely and comfortably.
A council spokesman said yesterday that the standard conditions had been introduced after consultation with the limousine trade, limousine associations and South Yorkshire Police.
Councillor Stuart Exelby, cabinet member for crime and public safety, said: "Limousines can be a fun and exciting way to travel but, as a council, we feel it is our responsibility to make sure all limousine operators in Doncaster are competent and reliable.
"We license taxi cabs so it makes sense to license limousines as well."
All limousine companies located within the borough will need to license their vehicles with the council and obtain an operator's licence to carry out their business. In addition, anyone driving a limousine will be required to hold a private hire driver's licence and badge.
All limousine businesses will be given until October 1 to obtain the relevant licences and anyone operating a limousine without them after that date will be subject to prosecution .
Furthermore, all companies that supply alcohol within their limousine will need to obtain a premises licence and personal licence in line with the Licensing Act 2003.
Even those companies giving alcohol away free with a booking are still supplying alcohol and would require this type of licence.
Both the council and the police will be enforcing the law, the spokesman added.
