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30
Licensed Street Traders
The anticipated adaptation of the street traders' barrow by the inclusion of a fibre glass attachment to
ensure compliance with the Food Hygiene (Markets, Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1966
referred to in last year's report, has been extended to include a completely new purpose-built fibre glass
unit on rubber tyres. The prototype was examined by the Public Health Inspectors (Food Control), and
some alterations were suggested to the manufacturer. At the close of the year, these were in hand.
A washing unit for use with the vehicle has been demonstrated, and whilst it appeared to be of
worthwhile construction, certain features required re-appraisal with a view to increasing its efficiency, and
discussions are in progress.
The routine examination of stalls selling foodstuffs in the street markets has been carried on through the
year. Difficulties in this type of trading are associated with lack of storage space, with facilities for washing
food and equipment in close proximity to the market, for keeping the stall and the stocks of food, together
with the lack of sufficient working area therein for the preparation and sorting of food and setting up the
stall and its display.
When all traders have been provided with satisfactory storage arrangements this department will require
each food trader, where appropriate, to replace or adapt the outmoded wooden stall at present in use, by a
modern enclosed unit made from material which provides a smooth, easily cleaned surface with an open
front (or back) for serving. It should house the goods (and assistants) if desired and be fitted with washing
facilities, a refuse receptacle and first aid equipment. Sanitary accommodation, personal washing facilities,
clothes lockers and bulk refuse compartments are additional requirements which can be provided
communally.
Facilities in the style of purpose-built stores of satisfactory design are already available to traders in
Church Street Market. Here the tenancies, which are the responsibility of the City Valuer, are linked to the
Traders' Association, who accept responsibility for general supervision, and ensure that the shared facilities
such as staff wash room etc. are cleaned.
Unauthorised Street Traders
The activity by public health inspectors of the Food Control Group in enforcing the Food Hygiene
(Markets, Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1966 in relation to unauthorised street trading reported
in last year's Report has not been as sustained as it was in the previous year. This has been due to staff
movement to other duties, other calls on the inspectors' time and the undoubted improvement in the
standard of hygiene evident amongst those who engage in this form of trading. Many of the stalls observed
to be used for trading during the year were found to be in a satisfactory condition, although the provision
of suitable washing facilities is still a matter which gives concern. Most of the stalls now have stainless steel
working surfaces with suitable storage facilities for rolls, frankfurters etc. The galvanised iron construction
formerly used, and which was virtually impossible to maintain in satisfactory condition, is seldom seen.
Washable overclothing has been adapted by most traders, in compliance with the Regulations, as has the
provision of soap, towel, nailbrush and first aid kit. Several approaches have been made by traders to the
Health Department requesting advice as to the manner in which the requirements of the Regulations can be
met. To give such advice to unlicensed traders might be construed as helping them to continue to trade
illegally in contravention of street trading legislation. However refusal to give advice and help would not
deter the trader from continuing his business and in these circumstances it is best that he should do so
under the most acceptable conditions.
Twenty-nine traders were proceeded against for offences under the Regulations during the year. In two
of these the defendant did not appear at the subsequent court hearing, and in a further seven cases the
summonses could not be served.
The Police dealt with six of the cases which concerned matters not directly related to matters of
hygiene. The Medical Officer of Health would once again record the thanks of the department to the police
for their valued assistance.
Food Hygiene etc. Lectures
The department continued to meet requests during the year for lectures to various catering
organisations, and persons qualifying for professional appointments, including student public health
inspectors, and at the request of Government Departments and training establishments' accredited visitors
from overseas.