FOUR takeaway outlets in East Reading have fallen foul of licensing by selling hot food after curfew.
Chaiiwala Reading, Munchiies Desserts and Ice Cream, and Biryani Lounge were all found to have been selling hot food after 11pm, contrary to their license conditions, during an enforcement check by officers from Reading Borough Council.
On Friday, September 20, members of the licensing team carried out inspections on eight businesses in east Reading.
Under the Licensing Act of 2003, it is prohibited to sell hot food between 11pm and 5am without a late-night refreshment license, which also applies to hot, non-alcoholic drinks.
This applies to takeaways, restaurants, petrol stations, and mobile units or stalls, and includes sales for consumption on- and off-premises.
This regulation is in place because provision of late-night refreshments creates gathering spots–often linked to alcohol-fuelled crime, which can be exacerbated by food provision.
Of the eight venues inspected, four offered to sell food or drink to council officers: 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.
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.
The four venues were informed that they could be open to prosecution if they continued to operate contrary to their licenses, which also carries an unlimited fine and up to six months months in prison, 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, meaning 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.
“The regulations ensure that any establishment selling hot food or drinks late at night, whether it’s a takeaway, restaurant, or mobile stall, is properly licensed and accountable.
“They are instrumental in protecting consumers and significantly maintaining the safety of our neighbourhoods and stamping out late-night disorder around our town.”
Anyone with concerns about a food business or retailer can report them in confidence via: licensing@reading.gov.uk.
