He told council officers "there's nothing you can do"
Andrew Hancock's stall at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground. When confronted by council officers for running it without a licence for the third time he told them "there's nothing you can do"
A street trader who repeatedly flouted the law by running a matchday stall outside Manchester United's ground has been fined. He was taken to court after being caught three times at Old Trafford without a licence.
Andrew Hancock, 42, of Davenham Road, Sale, was spotted trading illegally, contravening Trafford Council's Street Trading Policy on 25 September, 19 October and 30 October last year when Man United were at home to Twente, Brentford and Leicester.
Mr Hancock was warned multiple times by Licensing Enforcement Officers that he needed a licence for his stall selling football scarves, pin badges and other memorabilia on the corner of Sir Matt Busby Way and Chester Road.
Andrew Hancock's stall at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground. When confronted by council officers for running it without a licence for the third time he told them "there's nothing you can do".
The Council staff tried to help him comply, offering clear advice on how to apply for the appropriate licence. However, Mr Hancock declined this assistance, thinking that because he was on private land, he did not need a licence, and telling officers: “There’s nothing you can do.”
Manchester Magistrates issued a £330 fine, along with a victim surcharge of £132 and full costs awarded to the council of £740, bringing the total to £1,202.
Cllr Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said: “Our street trading policy exists to protect consumers, support legitimate traders, and ensure public spaces are safe and well managed. I hope this sends a clear message to others.”