Night of action at Chichester district's pubs and clubs

Led by the district council’s environmental health department, 
‘nights of action’ aimed to make sure 
safe premises were being maintained and safe practices carried out.

Over three nights, the environmental health service made ‘enforcement and advisory visits’ between 6pm and 2am. Staff at pubs, clubs, restaurants and takeaways, plus taxi drivers, were advised of their legal responsibilities.

Sussex Police and West Sussex fire and rescue service also assisted during some of the visits.

One inspection revealed workers sleeping in ‘unsuitable conditions’ 
at a food establishment.

“Had a fire occurred in the building, the workers would have been trapped, as there were unsuitable means of escape,” said a statement issued by the council “This resulted in the fire and rescue service issuing the business with a prohibition notice, preventing anyone from sleeping at the premises.”

Cllr Heather Caird, council deputy leader, said: “These visits are not designed only to catch people out, but to help make sure that people visiting, working, or living in these 
establishments feel safe and are safe.

“Chichester has a thriving night-time economy, which has a positive effect 
on those living, visiting or working within the district.

“A large proportion of routine inspections take place during office hours. However, what can be seen during the day isn’t always representative of what happens at other times.”

Similar operations would be repeated in the future, with unannounced visits during the day or night.

Visits included checking compliance with issued licences, food handling practices and temperature controls, noise limits, waste disposal and compliance with the smoke free legislation.