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'CHIPPIE' COULD FACE CLOSURE UNDER NEW RULES

Kebab shops, burger bars and hotdog vans that attract alcohol-fuelled violence face closure under new rules coming into force.

Tightening of licensing laws early next year will require all late night takeaways to be licensed - even if they don't sell alcohol. Currently only takeaways in London are licensed.

This means that, for the first time, local residents and businesses will have a say in how late takeaways can stay open. Police officers will be able to shut takeaways down for up to 24 hours if they are disrupting the local people.

Licensing Minister Richard Caborn said:  "Late night takeaways are often a magnet for violence and anti-social behaviour on Friday and Saturday nights as beered up revellers spill out of bars and pubs at the same time in search of a burger or a doner.

"From next year we're going to give local residents a say in whether they have a late night chippie or kebab shop on their street corner by bringing them under control of the new Licensing Act.

"This will help stop a night out turning into someone else's nightmare."