Licensed premises and food handlers told to expect council officer visits

Licenced premises and food handlers have been warned to expect a visit by South Holland District Council officers in the run-up to Christmas.

A focused effort will be made by the council’s licensing team in light of recent illegal activity in Spalding which led to premises licences for Europe Store, in Holbeach Road, and Global Foods, in Winsover Road, being revoked.

Deputy leader Coun Malcolm Chandler – portfolio holder for licensing – told the October 14 full council meeting that a “concerted effort” would be made to look for anyone selling stock which has evaded excise duty.
He said: “The licensing team will be visiting the majority of licensed premises between now and Christmas.”

Also particularly busy before Christmas will be officers visiting premises under the Food Hygiene Safety Ratings scheme.
Coun Chandler said “a very large number” of food handlers would be called upon in an effort to drive up those with lower ratings through the scale.

He added: “By these two efforts we will be contributing to the safety and wellbeing of people through to the Christmas period when everyone will be able to relax and enjoy themselves.”