Magistrate orders unlicensed pizza business to pay over £5,000

The owner of a pizza business has been found guilty by York Magistrates of selling food and alcohol without a licence, and has been sentenced to pay a total £5,347.28.

Emrah Aktas, who owns Pepperoni Palace, 25 Walpole Street, York YO31 8NN, was not licensed to sell hot food after 11pm or drink, yet his business did so in September 2024.  

As part of routine enforcement activity, officers from City of York Council made a test purchase of hot food and drink online. They visited the premises to see if the order was actually followed through, and paid for the items.

The premises were visited several times by officers prior to the test purchase. They gave warnings about operating without a licence and gave advice about how to apply for a licence.  

Mr Aktas did not respond to a request for an interview or to the summons, and didn’t attend court. The case was proved, and he was found guilty in his absence.

The Magistrates sentenced Mr Aktas to a fine of £2,000, costs of £2,547.28 and a surcharge of £800. A total £5,347.28 collection order was issued, to be paid within 28 days.

The Magistrates hoped relevant checks were being conducted at the premises.

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment at City of York Council, said:  “Licences are required for a reason, and time limits are important to protect local residents from undue disturbance at anti-social hours.

“If an unlicensed business sells food and drink outside of these times, particularly late at night or early in the morning, they are acting illegally.

“We will continue to investigate legitimate complaints and take appropriate legal action. Please report any licensing offences to licensing@york.gov.uk.”

To find out more about business licenses, please visit www.york.gov.uk/business-licences .