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22
and the advantage of having a definite code embodying a
definite policy is pretty obvious.
At the present time there are eight fried fish shops in
Barnes and Mortlake, distributed in even numbers between the
two parishes. Formerly there were nine in activity, but one in
Mortlake has recently been closed.
Most of those open at present are fairly well managed
but one or two illustrate a point to which I would make particular
reference.
Small tradesmen take over premises which are barely
suitable for the wet fish trade, and then, after an interval,
commence frying fish for sale in a badly lighted and dirty back
scullery, over a covered copper in which the family washing
may or may not be done at week ends. Such a method of
conducting the trade is not only fairly certain to be offensive,
but is obviously dangerous.
Without doubt, no premises ought to be used for the
preparation of human food intended for sale, unless the
Sanitary Authority is first satisfied of their fitness for the
purpose, and in the case of the trade on which I am now
reporting, this end can easily be obtained by placing it in the
category of offensive trades.
The fitness or otherwise of such premises would be
determined by reference to the spaciousness, lighting, ventilation,
etc , of the cooking room; and other points for consideration,
during the carrying on of the business would be the
character and description of the cooking range, the nature and
quality of the oil employed, the means of disposal of the offal,
the provision of storage room for uncooked fish, and general
cleanliness.