Hundreds of fake football badges have been taken off the streets and an illegal street trader fined, following action by Hammersmith & Fulham Council's Licensing team.
The haul of 472 premiership pin badges, with an estimated value of £2360, was seized on 20 April 2005 during a routine inspection outside a Chelsea FC match. On 13 December at West London Magistrates Court, Michael John Walsh pleaded guilty to street trading without a street trading licence contrary to Section 38 (1)(a) of the London Local Authorities Act 1990. The courts fined Mr Walsh £50 and ordered him to pay £50 costs.
Councillor Stephen Burke, Leader of the Council, said:
"Illegal street trading is a big problem on match days, which is why officers from the Public Protection and Safety team are always on hand to make sure football fans don't get ripped off. Not only do these traders trick some consumers into thinking they're buying the real thing, they often sell goods that don't comply to safety standards and could therefore be a danger to anyone who buys them. They also undercut genuine retailers. For all these reasons we will continue to prosecute those who we find trading illegally in Hammersmith & Fulham."
The council does have designated street trading locations for people wishing to sell legitimate goods. Anyone wanting more information should contact licensing on 0208 753 1082.
December 21, 2005
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