On 20th May 2014 three people were convicted of licencing offences at Chichester Magistrates Court. The trio had operated a premise called Whites Steakhouse situated by Bognor Regis Railway Station other than in accordance with the premises licence.

Prosecution
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Case 1

  • Council: Arun District Council
  • Fine: £450
  • Costs: £750
  • Total: £1,200

Case 2

  • Council: Arun District Council
  • Fine: £600
  • Costs: £750
  • Total: £1,400

Authorities had intervened on numerous occasions to try to resolve problems but the premises licence holder and management failed to resolve issues.

In addition to the licencing offences, on 10th June 2014 Paul Fitzjohn (57, of Stratton Court, Bognor Regis) also entered a guilty plea for food hygiene offences for which he was convicted.

Councillor Terence Chapman, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services said ”if businesses do not respond to positive intervention from officers, we will take tough action in the interests of protecting the public from unacceptable risk. All licensees, management and staff are obliged to operate in accordance with the conditions of their licence. We expect food operators to comply with regulations and promote best practice. If they chose not to do so, we will take action to restore a level playing field for businesses and to protect the public. We have some very hard working and honest businesses in this district and the behaviour of those operating Whites undermined those trying to do things the right way”.

Paul Fitzjohn (57, of Stratton Court, Bognor Regis) and Shayni White (58, of Stratton Court, Bognor Regis) were each fined £450 plus £20 victim surcharge plus £750 costs. Sarah Osman (47, of Chichester Road, Bognor Regis) was fined £600 plus £20 victim surcharge plus £750 costs.

The premises licence was also revoked by the Council.