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An illegal hot dog trader targeting tourists on Westminster Bridge has been slapped with a heavy fine as part of a crackdown. Fikaj Xhyhen, 38, peddled food from a cart close to London’s South Bank. He was given repeated warnings not to trade from the location without relevant licenses. Lambeth Council’s anti-social behaviour enforcement team worked with the area’s community safety patrol team and the South Bank Employers Group to bring prosecutions against Xhyhen and a second man Edmir Lika, 41, who flogged artwork on the bridge.
At Croydon Magistrates’ Court last Monday, Xhyhen, of Morecambe Terrace, Edmonton, was convicted of 18 offences under the London Local Authorities Act 1990 and fined £11,388. JPs granted an order that his trolley should be seized if he’s caught trading illegally again. At the same hearing Lika, of Broughton Place, Walthamstow, received fines totalling £1,326 for two offences, plus the forfeiture and destruction of seized items.
Councillor Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s cabinet member for safer communities, said: “I welcome the court’s tough action in these two cases as they send a strong message that we will not tolerate illegal traders in our borough. “The outcome in respect of Xhyhen is particularly satisfying, and I fully support the firm stance taken by the court in that case. “Unlicensed street trading is a long-standing issue, particularly in busy areas like the South Bank.
“It can create congestion, obstruct pavements, and undermine local businesses that comply with regulations. “Traders often move locations quickly and use false information, making it difficult to secure convictions. “Witness statements from local businesses and residents, and enforcement records were key to successfully prosecuting this case.”. A council spokesman said enforcement action against dodgy traders will be stepped up to deter others and protect consumers.
