March 9, 2020 12.54 pm This story is over 48 months old

Skegness takeaway owner abandons filthy business

He’s been banned from running food businesses
The council took the owner to court.

The former owner of a filthy pizza takeaway in Skegness abandoned the business after ignoring the council’s basic hygiene requests over several months. He has been fined by courts almost £3,000 and banned from running any food businesses.

Poitr Stefenek used to run Bel Piatto on Roman Bank in the seaside town before the council’s first visit in December 2018.

That visit resulted in three food hygiene improvement notices, one notice for unclean food preparation areas and fridges as well as electrical hazards.

A filthy pizza cutter.

He failed to comply with those notices and when the council visited again in April 2019, the conditions had deteriorated.

On being invited for an interview under caution, it was found Mr Stefenek had ceased trading and left the premises.

Poitr Stefenek abandoned the business.

Stefenek pleaded guilty to all matters and the court imposed sentence of 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He was given a victim surcharge of £115 and ordered to pay costs of £2,791.37, a total of £2,906.37 for the health and safety offences.

The owner ignored the council’s requests to clean the business.

Boston Magistrates’ Court also banned Stefenek from running a food business unless he can convince the court that he is able to take on the role again.

The premises have since been refurbished by the landlord and is now operated by a new food business operator, and has been awarded a food hygiene rating of four.