Two men spotted selling hats, scarves and flags near to Lancashire County Cricket Club during international cricket matches have been fined by Manchester Magistrates following a Trafford Council investigation.
Both traders from Halifax were seen by Council licensing officials during men’s and women’s international matches involving England, India and South Africa in July and September last year.
After being asked why he had not moved on when told to, Mr Zulfiquar Ali, 54, of Rhodes Steet, Halifax, said: “I couldn’t move, I had customers.”
When challenged, Mr Amir Amin, 49, of Cross Terrace, Halifax, said to officers: “What’s wrong? I pay taxes you know.”
Both were caught selling cricket hats, scarves and flags despite not holding a Street Trading Licence issued by Trafford Council’s licensing team.
Both men were each fined £120 with £100 towards Council costs. A surcharge of £48 was imposed on Mr Ali and £148 on Mr Amin.
A third trader was fined in his absence in court on the same day. John Morgan, 67, of Landsdowne Road, Crumpsall, was seen selling scarves in front of the United Trinity statue outside Manchester United’s stadium on Sunday 6 July last year – not a matchday.
When asked to provide a licence Mr Morgan admitted: “I don’t have a licence now.” He was fined £440, with a surcharge £176 and £450 costs.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:
“Our Licensing Enforcement officers have once again taken action against people who undermine the trading environment for legitimate street sellers who take care to make sure that they have the correct licence to operate. Cases like this show that we hold people accountable for their actions.”