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30
Licensed Premises.
There are in our area some 31 premises of this type and we have
taken the opportunity to review their circumstances. They vary
greatly in design—according to their age- and to a somewhat lesser
degree in the service provided. Where full-scale meals are supplied
the kitchen and dining room standard will bear comparison with any
similar catering establishment and usually not lose by the comparison.
The use of detergents in glass cleaning is not yet popularly accepted
partly because the subsequent appearance of the glass is said not necessarily
to be altogether attractive.
The disposal of everspill and dregs is a matter of some complexity
and unless considerable care is exercised could lead to unsatisfactory
practices.
The sanitary accommodation provided inside the premises is well
maintained generally. The outside accommodation is much less well
kept largely attributed to the poor regard paid to hygiene by the public
who utilise it.
School Canteens.
Some two years ago we commenced a close association with the
Divisional Executive Education Committee in the supervision of
school canteens and since then some 134 visits have been made by
our Inspectors. These have brought to light certain defects which
in due course have, for the most part, been remedied by the Education
Authority.
Looking back even after this short period of time and comparing
the present position with that which obtained initially, it is clear that
our mutual co-operation has been of real value and that as a policy it
is clearly most desirable to continue it. We have found the staff
generally co-operative and anxious to be at one with us in securing the
best possible service for the children.
We have fortunately during the year escaped any significant outbreak
of food poisoning and (insofar as care will provide) this state of
affairs will I trust continue. The human element is, however, inseparable
from any eventuality and is always sufficiently evident even in
the realm of school canteens to make prevention of trouble a matter
for relentless vigilance. It is understood that there has been some
slight relaxation in the attitude towards improving old canteens and it
is hoped, therefore, to recommend for action one or two local examples
of this type.