Chester Magistrates’ Court has sentenced the owner of a restaurant for violating food safety and hygiene laws.
Mahendra Bhimji Gohil (68), owner of the vegetarian restaurant Chai Station in Chester at 91 Brook Street, has been found guilty of food safety and hygiene offences at the Chester Magistrates’ Court.
A vegetarian Indian & vegan restaurant boasts of being the only one of its kind in Chester, where guests can enjoy the flavours of India and spicy food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
On Monday, 23 August, Mahendra Bhimji Gohil (68), owner of the vegetarian restaurant Chai Station at 91 Brook Street, Chester – was fined a total of £1,800 and ordered to pay £1,080 costs and a £190 victim surcharge. The defendant pleaded guilty to 10 food safety and hygiene offences.
On 28 October 2020, Cheshire West and Chester Council food team officers visited Chai Station for a general hygiene inspection.
A dirty and disorganized kitchen was found at the premises. The floor was covered with dirt and food debris, as well as rat droppings. Several wooden structures had been chewed by rodents, and wire wool had been placed into the gaps to deter them. A large number of fruit flies flew out of a juicing machine when the lid was opened. Some areas of the walls showed signs of dampness and mould.
As the officers were satisfied that there was an imminent risk to public health, the premises were closed immediately and customers eating at the premises were asked to leave.
When interviewed, the defendant claimed that they were only open three days after the lockdown was over. After being closed for three months, they had never had rat problems. According to him, the cleanliness standard was unacceptable, and he would try to improve it.
District Judge referred to the images as “stomach-churning, revolting”, adding “I’m not surprised that you were shut down, quite right, filthy conditions, disgusting.”.
The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said:
“Officers within our Regulatory Services team work proactively to help business owners comply with legislation and meet hygiene standards and food safety.”
“The vast majority of food establishments in Cheshire West operate to a high standard; we have a duty to the public to take effective action where others do not make the same effort.
“In this case, officers had repeatedly witnessed extremely poor conditions that posed a significant risk to the public and the fine imposed sends a clear and strong message that the courts will treat such situations seriously”.
Karen Shore – Council Deputy Leader
Cheshire West and Chester Council offer an advisory service for food businesses called the GET5 program. For more information, call 01244 973486 or visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/business-hub/Food-businesses.aspx.
