WE WOULD encourage Oxford City Council to be very measured when it comes to decide the fate of the First Class Diner van’s pitch near Cheney School.
Driving a man out of the area by removing his licence, purely because of protests by parents and the school, would set a rather draconian precedent.
The parents and the school are absolutely right to raise the issue so it can be debated. Healthy eating for children is an important issue and it appears the school is doing what it can on its premises.
But surely a middle way, either in a slightly different location or adjusted trading hours, is more sensible than revoking a recently-issued licence.
Some people will argue about the temptation the van provides but there is surely only so far we can go in terms of controlling our environment.
It’s not like Mr Yilmaz hides in the bushes and leaps upon impressionable teenagers, ramming greasy treats into their mouths while they struggle.
Fast food is not something to have as a staple diet but it’s not yet illegal to sell a burger.
There has to be a realisation about individual accountability and parental responsibility. Simply demonising the local burger van is too one-dimensional, especially when the council saw fit to license it in the first place.
Perhaps even discussions with Mr Yilmaz, asking him to turn away Cheney pupils out of respect for the school’s policy, instead of reviews by the council, might lead to a situation where everyone wins and no-one loses?
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