Men fined hundreds of pounds for what they sold at beauty spot

The average price of a 99 ice cream has risen a lot in the last few years, but for two men, the cost of ice cream has been even more substantial. The two men have been found guilty of selling the sweet treats without the correct permission in south Liverpool.

On two different occasions, a pair of ice cream sellers pitched their vans in Otterspool Park on Liverpool’s waterfront in the hope of bagging some summer business. What they didn’t have, however, was the sign off from the city council.

As a result, Paul Bradshaw and Baljit Singh Gambhir found themselves the subject of hearings at Liverpool Magistrates' Court this week and they were slapped with fines for their transgressions.

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The court was told how on June 2, Bradshaw, 37, of Bedford Road, Bootle, set up his ice cream van in the popular spot for families and walkers to sell his products. However, Bradshaw and his Mercedes Benz van were not permitted to be there and were in breach of Liverpool Council byelaws for “pleasure grounds, public walks and open spaces.”

Magistrates were told a similar breach took place on May 18, when Gambhir, 64, of New Heys Drive, Allerton, in a red Ford van, also set up a stall to offer punters a Flake and Mr Whippy. This was not permitted under city council terms.

Both men were fined by magistrates in their absence, with Bradshaw being ordered to pay a £220 fine and £150 costs. A victim surcharge of £88 was also applied.

Gambhir was told to pay £153 by court officials for his transgression, with a victim surcharge of £61 and £150 costs. All permissions to trade in public spaces must go before the city’s licensing officials.

A 12-month permit to sell ice cream across the city for 2024/25 comes in at £481.35 which equates to £40 a month or 16 average 99s with optional sauce and flake. Renewing the rights to hold mobile consent for ice cream sales costs £245.92.

Legitimate traders can be identified by a yellow plate on the rear of the vehicle. Those found in breach can find themselves before a licensing committee or at the mercy of the courts as Bradshaw and Gambhir found out to their cost.