This is why an Otley takeaway owner has been fined more than £6,000

The owner of a takeaway in Otley has has been ordered to pay out over £6,000.
Best Kebab is Otley were forced to pay over 6,000 PIC: GoogleBest Kebab is Otley were forced to pay over 6,000 PIC: Google
Best Kebab is Otley were forced to pay over 6,000 PIC: Google

An investigation by Leeds City Council licensing enforcement officers found that Best Kebab, on Westgate in Otley, had repeatedly breached the licence terms and conditions.

In March 2016 the takeaway was granted a licence for the sale of late night refreshment from Sunday to Thursday, 11pm to midnight, and Friday and Saturday, 11pm to 12.30am.

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After a number of complaints were made alleging the establishment was selling hot food well past the times permitted by its licence, and following an investigation by Leeds City Council licensing enforcement officers, an application for the review of the premises’ licence was launched by the council.

Mr Sajid Khan, the licence holder of the premises, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on November 21 to appeal against the decision of the council to revoke Best Kebab’s licence, however the decision was upheld by the District Judge and Mr Khan was ordered to pay full costs to Leeds City Council, totalling £6349.30.

In setting out the grounds for the review, Leeds City Council referenced the numerous warning letters it had sent to Mr Khan, as well as unannounced compliance visits as a result of breaches to the licence conditions.

During these visits, an undercover officer from the council attended Best Kebab and was able to buy hot food out of the licensed hours where hot food can be sold.

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Following this, Mr Khan was reminded, both verbally and in writing, of the current permitted licensed hours and he was notified that Best Kebab would continue to be monitored for compliance.

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The officer instructed Mr Khan to install a suitable CCTV system. He was once again reminded about his current permitted licensed days and hours.

On multiple occasions following this, the establishment was found to be open and serving hot food past the permitted licensed hour.

On Friday, February 16 2018 a licensing enforcement officer re-visited Best Kebab and asked to view the CCTV system and Mr Khan pointed to two cameras in the shop.

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When the officer asked to view the CCTV footage, it was then that Mr Khan admitted he had not installed a hard-drive or monitor. He was reminded that he was continuing to commit breaches of his licence.

As the council’s decision was upheld by the District Judge, Mr Khan was ordered to pay full costs to Leeds City Council, totalling £6349.30, and the licence for the sale of late night refreshments at Best Kebab is now revoked.