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Restaurant Owner Fined For Gas Safety Offences

A local restaurant owner has been fined for having an unsafe gas connection on his premises following an investigation by Borough of Poole.

Mr Ahmed Chowdhury, of the Bengal Spices Cuisine restaurant, High Street, Poole, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act . On Tuesday 15 January 2008, he was fined £600 and the Council was awarded £500 in costs at Bournemouth Magistrates Court .

Mr Chowdhury was prosecuted following an investigation by officers from Environmental and Consumer Protection Services (E&CPS) who visited Bengal Spices Cuisine in October 2006. They discovered a gas cooker connected to the gas supply by a fractured pipe which had been tethered with tin foil and wire and was close to naked flames. Officers immediately contacted Transco who disconnected the supply.

The investigation revealed that despite a number of issues with the gas equipment in the premises, Mr Chowdhury had not taken any action to repair them.

Councillor Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "The rapid action of our officers ensured that a serious incident did not occur. Businesses should ensure any gas equipment is properly maintained and regularly serviced so there is no risk to staff or members of the public. Borough of Poole will continue to take a hard line with any business flouting the law in this way."

Anyone who suspects a gas leak can contact National Grid (Transco) on 0800 111 999 (24 hours) or visit www.nationalgrid.com for further information. Anyone with concerns over safety standards at a Poole business can use the Council's online 'report it' facility at www.boroughofpoole.com or telephone 01202 261700.

Lisa Gaskell, Communications Co-ordinator
Tel: 01202 633060