Pub owner fined for food hygiene breaches
Leigh Gardiner, of the Queen's Head in Eye, was sentenced for multiple food hygiene offences by Suffolk Magistrates Court on 30 June.
He must now pay a total of £3,707.81, including awarded costs of £ 3,010.81 to the council, a £498 fine and a victim surcharge of £199, for offences which date back to July 2024.
The court also issued a Hygiene Prohibition Order, restricting the pub to only selling drinks and pre-packaged food items, such as crisps.
The order will remain in place until food safety officers are satisfied that standards are satisfactory.
Mr Gardiner pleaded guilty to multiple charges, which were presented to the court by Mid Suffolk District Council’s prosecutor David Smithet:
- inadequate documented food safety management system
- food premises not kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition
- poor condition equipment
- blocked and inaccessible hand wash basins
- poor pest control procedures in external kitchen and stores
“Our officers work hard to keep the public safe when purchasing food or eating out.
“While we always look to support our food businesses with advice and guidance first, this shows we will always act if needed for the safety of the public.”
Anyone looking to eat out, should always check the food hygiene rating of the premises via the Food Standards Agency website
