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14
A little trouble has been experienced with the wandering
gypsy type of caravan dweller but much of the land upon which
these people camped is no longer available.
Shops
All shops were regularly inspected, the department administering
the whole of the provisions of the Shops Act, 1950, the
frequency of inspection depending upon the class of business
carried on.
One licence for the keeping of a pet shop was granted.
Three shops were licensed to deal in game.
The "late day" for the general closing hours of shops in
the area is Friday, but shopkeepers remain free to fix their own
half day closing subject to the provisions of the Shops Act.
Most shops close for half day on Wednesday.
There was no evidence of shops remaining open after the
closing hours, but a number of shops open on Sundays and
inspections were made in connection with the limited range of
articles permitted to be sold on that day.
Food Premises
Regular inspections of all types of food premises were
made, special attention and more frequent visits being made to
catering establishments, premises registered under section 16 of
the Food and Drugs Act, bakehouses and other places where
food is actually prepared.
The new Food Hygiene Regulations came into force upon
the 1st January and 1st July. A circular was sent to all food
premises reminding the occupiers of the provisions of the new
regulations, and during the routine visiting action has been
taken to ensure compliance with the regulations. Most traders
were co-operative and saw the need for the various measures
and only a few had to be persuaded. There has been little
serious opposition. The protection of food from risk of contamination,
when displayed for sale, has not yet been satisfactorily
accomplished in some shops, particularly butchers and
bakers shops. Old ideas die hard and there were some practical
difficulties. Statutory action was not resorted to and it is hoped
will not be necessary.