THE owner of a takeaway restaurant in Northallerton has been fined £2,000 for running his business without a licence.

Terry Allison, 45, of Pizza Time, in Regency Mews, was found guilty in his absence of carrying on a licensable activity without authorisation. Hambleton District Council said the prosecution was part of a drive to wipe out unlicensed activities.

“Most businesses trade within the law but there are a few who think they can flout it,” said cabinet member, Councillor Brian Phillips.

“We will not hesitate to take action against them, and if that leads to prosecution through the courts we will follow that path. We hope this court case will act as a warning, and a deterrent, to others.”

A council spokesman said anyone supplying hot food or hot drink between the hours of 11pm and 5am must be authorised by the district council under the Licensing Act 2003.

Despite receiving several warnings, the proprietor neglected to apply for a licence and continued to operate after 11pm. Northallerton Magistrates’ Court was told that when questioned Allison told a Hambleton District Council officer “I’m quite happy, take me to court”.

Magistrates fined him £2,000, with costs and imposed a victim’s surcharge of £120.

The council spokesman added: "Since the matter was referred to court, a licence has been granted to the pizza takeaway premises allowing the proprietor to provide late night refreshment until 1am on weekdays and 2am on weekends, the fee for the licence was £190.”