Blackpool’s Daish’s Hotel Limited has been fined £18,600 for multiple food hygiene and health and safety offences. The company pleaded guilty to these breaches in July 2024 at Preston Magistrates Court. The prosecution followed an inspection that revealed severe cleanliness and safety issues.
Inspection Findings
Food Control Officers from Blackpool Council conducted an inspection on 31 August 2023, uncovering severe hygiene shortcomings. The kitchen’s cleanliness levels were appalling, with dirt present on the floor, equipment, shelving, and various hand contact points such as switches and plugs.
Cooking equipment was found to be greasy, and food debris was discovered in the freezer. Adding to the list of violations, officers found that pans were being stored on the floor, and a container beneath the sink contained stagnant water from a leak.
Health Risks Identified
A chest freezer labelled as ‘gluten-free’ was found to be storing foods that contained gluten, thereby posing a serious contamination risk to those with gluten allergies. This is a significant breach given the potential health implications for guests.
In addition, electrical equipment issues were noted. The equipment exhibited damaged wires and there was evidence of melting on one of the sockets. Furthermore, incorrect usage of extension leads posed a potential safety hazard.
Previous Warnings and Legal Action
Daish’s Hotel had previously accepted a simple caution for food hygiene offences in February 2022. Despite this warning, the hotel failed to improve its standards, leading to the recent prosecution.
Last month, the company was ordered to pay a £14,000 fine, a £2,000 victim surcharge, and £2,612.10 in costs, totalling £18,612.10. This significant penalty underscores the seriousness of the offences committed by the hotel.
Council’s Response
Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, expressed the Council’s stance on the matter. She stated, “Our Food Control Officers were shocked by what they discovered during their inspection. The company was found to be flouting regulations put in place to keep the public safe, and the company has been successfully prosecuted.”
She continued, “Such conduct will not be tolerated. We are pleased that the court imposed a fine which reflects the seriousness of the offences, and hopefully, this will deter other businesses from operating in such a way that could put the public at risk.”
Importance of Compliance
The case highlights the critical importance of complying with food hygiene and safety regulations. These standards are essential to protect public health and ensure that businesses operate responsibly.
Businesses in the hospitality sector must prioritise cleanliness and safety, particularly in food preparation areas, to avoid similar legal repercussions. The prosecution serves as a stern reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting these responsibilities.
The prosecution of Daish’s Hotel Limited illustrates the severe consequences of food hygiene and safety breaches. The hefty fines imposed by the court reflect the gravity of these offences and serve as a warning to other businesses. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, crucial for safeguarding public health.