Takeaway owners in a county town are being warned to ensure they have the correct licence after a kebab shop owner was fined for serving food after 11pm.

Stafford Borough Council issued the warning after the owner of Piccolo's Pizza and Kebab Land in Stone was fined £300 and ordered to pay £210 costs.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, which legalised 24-hour drinking, all places serving hot food or drink for immediate consumption between 11pm and 5am must now have a licence.

The legislation covers super-markets and cinemas as well as pubs, restaurants and takeaways.

Mark Street, the council's chief health officer, warned that companies must get the right licence or face the penalty.

He said: "There was a lot of publicity surrounding the change in the law and licensees have the responsibility to ensure they comply with the new legislation.

"We hope this case sends a clear message to anyone without the correct licence - we will take legal action against you if you break the law."

He added: "The majority of licensees have complied and we are acting on their behalf to protect their interests."

About 500 licences have been issued in the Stafford area since the new law came into force last November.