A NUMBER of takeaways on Wokingham Road, Reading were caught selling hot food and drinks without licences, following weekend enforcement checks by Council licensing officers.

On September 20, officers from the Council’s licensing team carried out inspections at eight businesses in East Reading to check if premises selling hot food after 11pm had the required licenses.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, selling hot food after this time is prohibited without the appropriate late-night refreshment licence.

The regulations apply to takeaways, restaurants, and petrol stations that sell hot food, or hot non-alcoholic drinks to the public between 11pm and 5am. This includes sales for consumption both on and off the premises and from mobile units and stalls.

The provision of late-night refreshments is regulated primarily because late-night gathering spots are is often linked to alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder in the night-time economy. Fast-food takeaways where late-night drinkers congregate can unwittingly fuel such incidents.

Of the eight premises subject to inspection, four offered to sell food or drink to officers without the relevant licence: Chaiiwala Reading, Munchiies Desserts and Ice Cream, and Biryani Lounge.

While Chaiiwala had permission to sell food and drink within their agreed opening hours, they did not have a license nor planning permission to serve after 11pm.

Concerningly, Munchiies and Biryani Lounge hold no planning permission to serve hot food and drink at their premises but still agreed to sell officers food during the inspection.

Licensing officers informed the four businesses that they could face prosecution if they continued to carry out these activities without either a late-night refreshment licence or a Temporary Event Notice (TEN/LICENCE). Doing so could result in an unlimited fine, up to 6 months of prison time, or both.

Officers conducted an undercover follow-up visit to Chaiiwala on 18 October, where they again witnessed staff willing to sell hot food, still without the correct licence. Further enforcement action will now be taken against the business.

Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:“Our licensing officers work tirelessly to ensure a level playing field for Reading businesses, and rules are in place to ensure that is the case.

"There is no excuse for altering those rules to suit one’s desire to make extra money when others follow the rules."