The former director of a bar in Ruislip has been fined more than £9,000 after various issues with the venue, including a bug infestation and noise complaints.
Nikhil Walia, 38, of Kingsend Court, Ruislip, admitted to four breaches of food hygiene regulations and two breaches of the conditions of his licence when he appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 12, relating to his time as director of Masala Gallery Limited, trading as Kho Kho restaurant and bar.
The court was told of an unannounced visit to the bar in April 2022 by Hillingdon Council’s food health and safety team after a report from a customer of a cockroach in their meal.
In the inspection, the team found ready food stored in uncovered areas, an open drain with stagnant water, and signs of a live cockroach infestation. Council officers declared the situation as hazardous to health. The restaurant also had a history of infestations.
In July 2022, a Hygiene Emergency Protection Order was granted by a judge barring Kho Kho from operating as a restaurant, though it was rescinded later the same month.
Another incident took place in January this year, when a report was made to the council of loud noises coming from the bar past their licensing hours, which was found to be the case during a follow-up visit from officers.
For the four hygiene offences, relating to pest control, food storage and cleanliness, Walia was fined £1,538 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £615 and the council’s prosecution costs of £4,877.
For the two licensing offences, there was no separate fine, but Walia was ordered to pay the council’s costs of £2,472.
Photo credit: Hillingdon Council
0 Comments