The driver of an ice cream van has been fined for trading without a licence.
Mohmmed Zubair Khan, of Tongue, appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court on December 1. He was found guilty under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and fined £220. He was ordered to pay costs of £500 and a £34 victim surcharge.
Complaints were first received that Mr Khan was trading without consent in April 2020. Officers from Greater Manchester Police spoke to Mr Khan at his home address, and he was given a warning. He then continued to trade on further occasions without a licence.
The council’s licencing service ensures that the vehicles are roadworthy, fully insured and hold a valid MOT. In addition, licensed vehicles undergo regular food hygiene checks and licensed ice cream traders are all DBS vetted and checked to ensure they have a valid driving licence.
Once licensed, an ice cream van is issued with a plate that is fixed to the rear of the vehicle – similar to those used on taxis. The plate contains the council logo, the plate number and the vehicle registration of the van.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Hilary Fairclough said, “Not only are these illegal traders taking business away from the genuine traders, but they could also be posing a potential health risk to the public. They may not have the correct food registration in place or have had the relevant food safety checks.
“In addition, they could also pose a safety risk as, unlike our licensed traders, their backgrounds are not checked by the council.
“We will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone trading without a licence.”
Anyone who sees a trader without a licence plate on their vehicle should report it to the council by providing the name on the van and the vehicle registration to our licensing team.
The licensing team can be contacted by email at licensing@bolton.gov.uk