A burger van operator warned several times for trading outside Manchester United games without a valid licence faced a heavy fine after court action by Trafford Council.
William Ravenscroft, 48, of Lever Edge Lane, Bolton, pitched up outside The Trafford pub on Warwick Road to serve hot food even though his licence had expired.
He was caught in his ‘Burger & Fries’ van by Trafford Council’s Licensing Enforcement Team multiple times. For his first two offences last year Manchester Magistrates gave him a conditional discharge.
However, he was back again in April and May this year for Manchester United fixtures against Manchester City, Wolves, Athletic Club, West Ham and Aston Villa.
Magistrates found him guilty of illegal trading in court on Friday 28 November. He was fined £660 with a £264 victim surcharge and £180 towards costs but also resentenced for his conditional discharge, doubling the total to £2,208.
Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Safety said:
“Our Licensing Enforcement Team is working hard to protect the livelihoods of legitimate traders who do things properly and follow the rules.
“We also want match goers to be confident that they are buying food or souvenirs from people who meet the required standards. While we do warn traders falling short of requirements, and try to advise them, we do not hesitate to take people to court when we need to.”
Posted on Monday 1st December 2025