Takeaway fined over licence breach

Jawaid Mahmood, owner of Italian Pizza Bar & Village India, in Stanningley Road, 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 Mahmood.

Coun Peter Gruen, the council’s executive board member responsible for neighbourhoods, said: “It is not acceptable that any food outlet conducts business without the correct licence.

“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.”