A TAKEAWAY owner has been fined more than £800 for opening late at night without a licence.

Hassan Oney, trading as Proper Pizza and Pasta, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, admitted trading at night without a licence when he appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Bosses say they stayed open late due to how popular they were.

He was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £870.

The prosecution case was brought by Castle Point Council after complaints were received about the business opening late into the night without a late night refreshment licence and taking custom from other lawfully licensed businesses.

A council spokesman said this conviction demonstrates that the council will take firm action against any person who wishes to ignore licensing legislation.

Godfrey Isaacs councillor for neighbourhoods and safer communities said: "This business was opening late at night without the benefit of a proper licence granted by the council.

"The business owner has now received a substantial fine and been required to apply for the correct licence to run his business.

"This case sends a clear message to any person who thinks that they can ignore the licensing law that the council will take prosecution action which will result in a heavy fine or other penalty being imposed by the court."

A spokesman for the takeaway said: “We were not aware of times and opened late as we were very busy. We made a mistake which we admit and now have applied for the correct licence to open late at night.”