Hundreds of residents have shown support for a kebab van owner despite allegations he used derogatory and racist language towards a customer.
Mr Muhammet Alpar has applied to renew his street trading licence at Milestone Avenue in Charvil.
Wokingham Borough Council previously revoked permission for a business Mr Alpar was associated with, Mo’s Kebab’s at Woodlands Avenue after ‘significant concerns’ were found in the business.
Although the licence holder was listed as Mr Jan Ratip, licensing officers said Mr Alpar was heavily involved in the business, and was suspect to an ‘affray’ being investigated by Thames Valley Police.
This resulted in a panel of councillors removing the street trading licence at this location.
Now, Mr Alpar would like to renew his licence in Charvil, where he has traded since 2001.
But a female customer said she had experienced ‘swearing and verbally assaulting’ language towards herself and her daughters.
The alleged language was derogatory towards her gender and ethnicity.
But more than 300 residents have signed a petition in support of his business.
Mr Alpeshkumar Patel wrote to the council: “Muhammet Alpar treats customers with respect, patience and kindness.
“The allegations against him to not align with the person I have come to know. He is well liked and appreciated by many in the community, evidenced by the overwhelming support for his licence renewal.
“I firmly believe that his continued presence is beneficial to the neighbourhood and that any claims should be thoroughly investigated before affecting his ability to continue trading.”
Another supporter, Rashid Shafi, said Alpar Kebab had ‘become much more than just a place to purchase food’ and has ‘evolved into a cherished part of our local culture’.
Charvil Parish Council said it was ‘well aware’ the van is an ‘extremely popular facility’ as the only takeaway in the village.
Miranda Parker, clerk to Charvil Parish Council, said: “Councillors have confidence that the licensing committee will treat this application with due diligence but feel that they need to raise the issue that, as a result of well-publicised issues around other applications, some residents have reported incidents of inappropriate behaviour by the applicant.”
Ms Parker recommended ‘spot checks’ be carried out over the next 12 months to ‘reassure residents that their concerns are not ignored, but that the wider benefit to the community of the van is also appreciated’.
Other public serving bodies including Thames Valley Police, Trading Standards and Environmental Health were consulted, and raised no objections.
Mr Alpar will face a licensing panel at Wokingham Borough Council on June 2.
