Education before enforcement
A team of officials from the department tackled issues ranging from the licensing of a business, to the use of hawker stands.
Amid claims that the municipality has been unable to properly police the numerous businesses failing to comply with health and business acts, the municipal Department of Community Services hosted an Environmental Health Campaign on December 10 at the Newcastle Taxi Rank.
A team of officials from the department tackled issues ranging from the licensing of a business, to the use of hawker stands.
The team explained to business people in the area how these legalities affected them and the possible repercussions they could face if they did not adhere to these laws as stipulated in environmental health acts and municipal by-laws.
One of the major issues tackled by the department was the hygiene requisites for food premises and street vending.
The department maintains the policy that all food sellers should ensure that their buildings are both rodent and insect proof.
Futhermore, ready-to-eat foods may not be touched with bare hands, while dirt and garbage must be removed to rooms separate from food preparation areas.
Strict rules must be complied with before a health inspector may issue a business with a Certificate of Acceptability, needed by the business to operate.
Street vendors also have to ensure that semi-structures are rodent proof and food must be covered at all times.
The Department of Environmental Health may impose further requirements on vendors depending on the structure used.
Smokers should be wary as well, as a list of fines related to tabacco use was also brought to the attention of business people.
Smoking indoors or in partially enclosed public areas will result in a R500 fine for the smoker and a further fine of R50 000 imposed on the owner of the business.
When smoking in a car with a child under the age of 12 inside as a passenger, a R500 fine may be imposed.
Both police officers or inspectors from the Department of Community Services can enforce these laws.
For further enquiries and all related laws related to the campaign, visit the Department of Community Services, on 39 Hardwick Street, or call 034 328 7757.
