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.
Blues Match Preview: Hyde United v Chester FC
Cheshire Constabulary to deploy Live Facial Recognition technology in Chester city centre
Cheshire Young Carers Awarded New Contract to Support Young Carers Across Cheshire West and Chester
Parking charges to come into effect at Wepre Park
Chester foodie favourites unite to raise vital funds for Children Today
Man charged following assault in Chester
Family travel boost as children ride buses for free across Cheshire West and Chester
Countess of Chester Hospital research bus to spotlight critical illness study for premature babies
Man found guilty of sexual assault in Malpas
YOUNG ACTORS GET READY TO ROCK AS QUEEN MUSICAL TAKES TO CHESTER STAGE
New Procedure Bay at Countess of Chester Hospital helping patients get treated faster
University archaeologists make exciting and unexpected discovery at Chester Castle
Blues Match Report: Warrington Town 0 - 2 Chester FC
Man jailed for six years for abusing a woman
Work to shape Blacon’ s £20 million Pride in Place regeneration programme is now formally underway
Proud dad of a newly-wed couple has raised more than £5,000 for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity
Comments
Add a comment