Lincolnshire pub fined £6,700 for multiple food hygiene offences

A pub manager who was fined £6,700 after health inspectors found minced beef 16 days out of date says she has never had a customer complaint.

Health inspectors also found raw food stored on top of ready-to-eat food at the Railway Inn, in Thorpe on the Hill, near Lincoln.

This increased the risk of food-borne illness, Lincoln Magistrates' Court was told.

The cooker, fridge and freezer were not cleaned appropriately while the ceiling and preparation areas were in a poor condition.

SAVE 30% ON YOUR PAYDAY LOAN

Meetthelenders

View details

Print voucher

visit us at www.meetthelenders.co.uk/blogs to Save 30% off your loan fees with Quick Quid, Read our article for instructions

Contact: 0115 8962299

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

North Kesteven District Council's food inspectors also found a waste bin from the previous day that was spilling on to the floor.

Angela Greenwood, 59, who runs the business with her husband, pleaded guilty to offences under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006. She will also pay £1,000 in legal costs.

Speaking to the Echo after the hearing, she assured customers the hygiene issues had been dealt with.

"We have done everything they have asked us to do," she said.

"The kitchen wasn't up to standard but a lot of the things, as the solicitor said, were silly things.

"For example, my glasses had been left on the side.

"There are only two of us here – me and my husband – and things get on top of us at times.

"We have the pub as well as the bed and breakfast and the campsite."

Mrs Greenwood added she had never had complaints from customers about her food.

The Railway Inn reopened six days after meeting the required standard.

Councillor Richard Wright, the executive member responsible for licensing and enforcement at the district council, said: "NKDC works hard alongside food premises owners to safeguard public health.

"We accept nothing less than full compliance with the relevant laws.

"Our officers will take the necessary action to ensure the law is upheld as we seek to maintain the district's excellent record of food safety.

"Over half of the district's registered food premises hold a coveted five-star rating on the National Food Hygiene Rating 'scores on the doors' scheme and a further quarter hold a four-star rating."