A TAKEAWAY boss convicted of hiring two immigrants illegally has won the right to keep his late night catering licence.

Dogars Indian in Troon was raided by Home Office immigration officers who found two staff members working without permission.

Shahid Mahmood, 47, who runs the takeaway was fined £4,000 at Ayr Sheriff Court in September for breaching immigration law.

Police objected to Mahmood renewing the late hours catering for Dogars at a council meeting last week.

Chief Inspector Brian Anderson said Mahmood was not a fit and proper person to get the licence renewed following the conviction.

Solicitor Brian Dunlop, representing Mahmood, argued stripping the carry-out of its late opening would be “catastrophic” for the premises.

He warned refusal of the application could “effectively put him out of business” as most money is made after 11pm.

The lawyer told the South Ayrshire Council Licensing Regulatory Panel how his client had asked the employees in question for ID but was told paperwork was with a solicitor.

Addressing the panel,  he said the dad-of-four, of Dunfermline, has run the premises in West Portland Street in Troon for six years without an incident.

Mr Dunlop pointed out Dogars was the only business of its kind in the town offering food to people spilling out of pubs and clubs in the early hours.

It is understood Dogars opens until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Referring to Mahmood’s punishment at court, Councillor Ian Cavana said he has already paid a heavy fine.