A POPULAR takeaway was fined hundreds of pounds for staying open late repeatedly to serve its queues of customers.

Hassan Oney, boss of Proper Pizza and Pasta, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, admitted trading at night without a licence when he appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court.

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

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

The 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 nearby businesses which have the correct licences.

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

Godfrey Isaacs, councillor for neighbourhoods and safer communities, added: “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.”

Barry Palmer, Canvey Independent councillor and member of the council’s licensing committee, said these traders should abide by their licence.

He said: “The licence is there to protect the residents.

“The business should be able to make enough money during the day and shouldn’t need to open later without a licence.

“We have had this with a few similar business and often complaints come in from residents, and they have every right to complain. Residents living nearby can be disturbed by noise from people or equipment or even the smell from the food.

“It also means traders who do abide by their licences are losing out. After complaints, the council then investigates the claims by the residents and the council has to take action against this. Some of these fast food traders want to cash in when the pubs and entertainment venues close.” He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday August 8.

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.”