A pub landlord who sold alcohol more than two hours after the time allowed by his license has been prosecuted by Hackney Council.

Umit Moroglu, licensee of the Marquis of Landsdowne, 48 Stoke Newington Road, N16 pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates Court on Wednesday 27th May to selling alcohol beyond the hours permitted by his premise’s license. He was fined £2015, with costs of £973.

Mr Moroglu had previously been warned by the council for the same offence. However, when the Council’s licensing enforcement team visited the Marquis of Landsdowne at 1.15am, they found that alcohol was still being served. The license allows alcohol to be sold until 11pm.

The Council monitors all licensed premises and makes regular spot checks to ensure they do not breach any conditions of their licence and that they comply with the legislation. It also checks that premises are not illegally operating without a license.

Cllr Alan Laing, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "The landlord knew the law and chose to ignore it. This sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable and those who choose to flout the law will be prosecuted by the council.

“We will not turn a blind eye to this sort of negligent conduct and we demand the highest standards from our pubs. Landlords have to act responsibly and run their businesses in a legal manner.”

Anybody wishing to vary the hours or conditions of their current premises license – or apply for a new one – can obtain an application form by calling The Licensing Department on 0208 356 2431.