"We want match goers to be confident that they are buying food or souvenirs from people who meet the required standards"
Old Trafford
Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
A rogue burger van operator who repeatedly ignored warnings from council officers has been hit with a fine. William Ravenscroft pitched his vehicle near Manchester United's ground despite not having a valid licence.
The 48-year-old of Lever Edge Lane, Bolton, set up outside The Trafford, a popular 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.
The Trafford pub on Warwick Road
The Trafford pub on Warwick Road (Image: Manchester Evening News)
View 2 Images
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.
Councillor 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.”