Takeaway wins battle to serve food until 1am

THE owner of a kebab shop has won his bid to keep the takeaway open until midnight every day – and to deliver food until 1am.

Sajid Hussain, who runs Spiceland Fast Food, in Silverdale, was granted the late licence following a council meeting yesterday.

However, Newcastle Borough Council's licensing sub-committee have ruled that Mr Hussain will have to meet several police and environmental health conditions before he is permitted to operate at those times.

Despite being denied permission to serve customers on the premises until 1am, he said he was 'happy' with the council's decision. He had previously opened until 11pm.

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Councillor Trevor Hambleton, the committee's chairman, told Mr Hussain: "We are prepared to give you a good go at it but if we hear of any problems with noise we will review the licence. It is in your hands."

Environmental health officers outlined concerns about potential disturbances to residents in the area, including noise from customers, cars and excess litter. Officer Andrea Baker admitted that in the year Mr Hussain has owned the property, they have received no complaints.

But she said she still has reservations about the application.

She said: "We are concerned about the location of the take away. It will be the only one in the area and could attract students from Keele and people on the way back from a night out.

"I would be happier if the bin outside the takeaway was more obviously for use by customers.

"We're concerned that noise and litter will impact on the lives of people as it's such a residential area."

Council staff also raised concerns about a lack of parking outside the building.

Mrs Baker added: "It's not fair on families with young children to have noise from cars arriving outside in the early hours." Mr Hussain has spent more than £2,000 upgrading the kitchen's ventilation system to try to reduce noise and smells, and to meet environmental guidelines.

He has also installed a bin outside the takeaway and has agreed to operate CCTV in the shop.

In order to keep the late licence Mr Hussain must maintain the ventilation system and ensure that the side door to the takeaway is closed during opening hours.

He will also have to periodically litter-pick outside the shop and place prominent signs asking customers to respect residents.

Simon Greggory, who is working as a contractor on the takeaway, said: "Mr Hussain has spent thousands getting the shop up to scratch.

"If someone is willing to present contractors with an open chequebook to meet health standards then I think he deserves a chance."