A popular kebab van in Wokingham has been fined £1,000 for staying open past the 10pm curfew.

The owners of BBQ King Kebab Van, in Reading Road, were fined by Wokingham Borough Council after they were caught breaking the curfew for the second time.

“We gave them a prohibition first, but when they ignored that we issued a £1,000 fixed penalty, as is set out in the law,” said Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health.

“If they do it again, the fine will go up.”

READ MORE: Number of Covid-19 cases in Wokingham ‘increasing rapidly’

The kebab van, which has been trading for 30 years, is the first Wokingham business that has been fined for breaking the 10pm curfew. 

In areas like Wokingham which are covered by medium alert (Tier 1) coronavirus restrictions, businesses which serve food must close between 10pm and 5am.

The government says after 10pm they can only remain open by offering deliveries, or a click-and-collect service, to customers who have pre-ordered.

Cllr Margetts added: “The vast majority of businesses have followed the rules and are working hard to keep within the regulations and still offer customers a great service.

“Therefore, a business not doing so, especially when they have already been warned, is not acceptable because it creates the perfect breeding ground for the virus to spread as large numbers of people will gather there because it’s the only place open.

“It is in the interest of the entire community to drive down the increase in cases, and businesses must play their part by following government guidelines, encouraging social distancing and operating in a Covid-safe manner.”