The manager of an Indian restaurant has been ordered to pay more than £10,000 after admitting 17 breaches of hygiene regulations.

Emran Khan, 24, of the Authentic Indian Brasserie, formerly the Shapla restaurant, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, blamed cowboy builders for the problems.

Southend magistrates were told Castle Point Council health and safety inspectors had visited the Shapla last September.

They recorded a catalogue of hygiene problems and twice organised interviews with Khan to discuss the issues, both of which he failed to attend.

Glen Bartlet, mitigating, said Khan had become manager of the restaurant, a family business, at a young age following the death of his father, and had been "naive" in his business management.

Many of the hygiene issues had arisen from on-going work in the kitchens.

He said: "The defendant has had four different sets of builders and he has been somewhat naive in his management."

Robin Caccavale, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Khan he would be fined £300 for each of the 17 separate breaches, giving a total fine of £5,100.

He also ordered Khan pay the council's legal costs of £5,348.50.

Speaking after the trial, Khan said an entire new kitchen was being installed and two new chefs had been employed.

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

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