A York takeaway business owner who sold food and alcohol without a licence has been fined in court.
It follows an investigation by City of York Council.
The owner of the business didn’t respond to a summons and was convicted in his absence.
Emrah Aktas, who owns Pepperoni Palace, on Walpole Street, off Haxby Road was not licensed to sell hot food after 11pm or drink. But his business did both last September.
Council enforcement officers made a test purchase of hot food and drink online. They then visited the takeaway to see if the order was actually followed through, and paid for the items.
Officers had visited Pepperoni Palace several times before the test purchase.
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “They gave warnings about operating without a licence and gave advice about how to apply for a licence.
“Mr Aktas did not respond to a request for an interview or to the summons, and didn’t attend court. The case was proved, and he was found guilty in his absence.”
York Magistrates’ Court fined Mr Aktas £2,000 and ordered him to pay costs of £2,547.28 and a surcharge of £800. A collection order totalling £5,347.28 was issued, to be paid within 28 days.
Cllr Jenny Kent, executive member for environment at the council, said: “Licences are required for a reason, and time limits are important to protect local residents from undue disturbance at anti-social hours.
“If an unlicensed business sells food and drink outside of these times, particularly late at night or early in the morning, they are acting illegally.
“We will continue to investigate legitimate complaints and take appropriate legal action.”
You can report licensing offences via [email protected].