A Leeds takeaway has been fined £15,000 for selling hot food without a licence.
Jawaid Mahmood, owner of Stanningley Road’s Italian Pizza Bar & Village India, was also ordered to pay costs of nearly £3,000 following a hearing at Leeds Magistrates Court.
Leeds City Council was first told in December 2011 that the takeaway was selling hot food beyond its permitted time of midnight.
The case ended up in front of the magistrates after sales continued despite the council issuing a number of warning letters to Mr Mahmood.
Coun Peter Gruen, the council’s executive board member responsible for neighbourhoods, planning and support services, said today: “It is not acceptable that any food outlet conducts business without the correct licence.
“Businesses need to make sure they take notice of council advice so as to avoid large fines and to ensure they are operating within the law.
“The licensing process is designed to give not only the responsible authorities but also local residents the opportunity to raise concerns or support for applications.
“People who serve late night refreshment without a licence are not allowing people to have their say and are breaking the law.”