March 28, 2017 2.13 pm This story is over 84 months old

Hefty fine for Grimsby shopkeeper who ignored hygiene warnings

A Grimsby shopkeeper has been given a court bill of more than £1,000 for not keeping the premises up to standard. Environmental health officers from North East Lincolnshire Council uncovered a series of problems when they inspected the Today’s Express store on Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby, on March 1, 2016. Officers wrote to the shopkeeper, Somalingham…
Today's Express on Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby. Photo: Google Street View

A Grimsby shopkeeper has been given a court bill of more than £1,000 for not keeping the premises up to standard.

Environmental health officers from North East Lincolnshire Council uncovered a series of problems when they inspected the Today’s Express store on Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby, on March 1, 2016.

Officers wrote to the shopkeeper, Somalingham Vijayaruban, 10 days later highlighting the following series of problems:

  • The rear store room and toilet had not been maintained in good repair and condition
  • No hot water supply at the wash basin and no hygienic way to dry hands
  • No food safety management system was in place

Officers found that Vijayaruban had done nothing to allay their concerns when they visited the shop again on June 2 and 9.

Vijayaruban was served with four Hygiene Improvement Notices on June 10 and he indicated that the work to bring the premises up to standard would be done by July 15.

But nothing had been done when an officer visited the shop again on July 21 and the matter was taken to court.

Vijayaruban pleaded guilty to the four offences and was fined £250 for each of the four notices he failed to comply with and was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Councillor Hazel Chase, cabinet member responsible for public protection at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Shops that sell food and drink must not put consumers at risk by flouting hygiene regulations.

“It’s not fair on law-abiding businesses when a competitor tries to cut corners for the sake of making a few pounds in profit.”