The owner of two stores in Chester has been sentenced for offences ranging from food safety and hygiene to illegal tobacco products and trademark breaches at Chester Crown Court.
At a previous hearing in the Magistrates Court, the case was referred to the Crown Court for sentencing due to the seriousness of the offences.
On Wednesday, 28 February, Victor Vimakshan (29), of Watling Court, Great Boughton, sole company director of Today Choice UK Ltd, trading as Chester Booze and Chester Convenience Stores, was handed a 12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay a total of £6,400 in fines, plus £6,000 towards costs.
During inspections, food safety and hygiene officers found the premises to be dirty with a rat infestation which posed a significant risk to health. Counterfeit cigarettes and vapes containing five times the recommended amount of nicotine liquid were seized.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, Councillor Christine Warner said:
“Officers in our Public Protection Service 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 witnessed poor conditions that posed a risk to the public and the penalties imposed send a clear and strong message that the courts will treat such situations seriously.”
In his sentencing remarks, the Judge said:
“Cheshire West and Chester Council have trading standards and food hygiene departments which take seriously their responsibilities in this city and this county.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council operate a paid for advisory service for all food businesses called the ‘GET5’ scheme.
Call 01244 973486 for more information or see the Council’s website.
POPULAR QUIZ NIGHT AT CHESTER MARKET RETURNS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LORD MAYOR'S CHARITIES
Blues Match Report: Scarborough Athletic 1 - 0 Chester FC
Blues Match Preview: Scarborough Athletic v Chester FC
The Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner has saved ten PCSOs
Illegal vapes, tobacco and alcohol seized in trading standards operation
Man charged in relation to burglary in Chester
Active travel and safety improvements coming to Ewloe roundabouts
Aquanatal Classes Make Waves at Local Swim School
CFC Women's Team Mid-Season Review
Chester and Wirral Football League - Weekend Round Up
Chester Zoo hits new all-time visitor record in landmark year for conservation charity
WILLY RUSSELL COMEDY SET TO BE STAGED AT CHESTER THEATRE
Blues Match Report: Chester FC 0 - 1 Worksop Town
Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Worksop Town
Countess of Chester Hospital urges public vigilance and handwashing to help stop the spread of Norovirus
Cheshire Firefighter Recognised in New Year's Honours
Comments
Add a comment