Court told of misleading displays
Seven Spice in Pembroke Dock and USA Fried Chicken in Milford Haven were both found to be misleading customers by showing hygiene ratings of 3, 4 or 5, despite their most recent inspections giving them the lowest possible score above zero.
At Seven Spice, inspectors first visited in November 2024 and found the menu failed to include the required bilingual statement directing customers to the official hygiene rating. A fixed penalty notice was issued but not paid.
When officers returned in January 2025, the business was displaying stickers showing ratings of 4 and 5, even though its official rating was 1. Further penalty notices and letters went unanswered.
At USA Fried Chicken, an inspection in November 2024 found a sticker showing a rating of 3, when the correct rating was 1. Again, a fixed penalty notice was issued but not paid, and letters from the council were ignored.
Fines imposed by magistrates
Both cases were heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on 16 October.
- Arkan Ullah, of Seven Spice, pleaded guilty. He was fined £660, ordered to pay £800 costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
- Kamuran Babahan, of USA Fried Chicken, failed to appear. The case was proved in his absence and he was fined £1,000, with £400 costs and a £400 victim surcharge.
Both were convicted of displaying invalid food hygiene stickers, contrary to the Food Hygiene (Rating) Wales Act 2013.
Council: ‘We will take action’
Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is designed to help consumers make informed decisions about where to eat or buy food. An essential part of that is displaying the rating where it is visible so potential customers can see clear information on the hygiene standards of the business.
“Where a business fails to display the correct rating they are committing an offence and we will take action.”
What it means for customers
The council said the prosecutions underline the importance of businesses displaying their official hygiene ratings accurately. Customers are encouraged to check the Food Standards Agency’s online ratings database if they are unsure about a venue’s score.
