Luton Borough Council

07/11/2023 - Luton restaurant owner fined for hygiene offences

A Luton restaurant and takeaway has been prosecuted by the council for food hygiene offences.

The Vault Lounge (Taste of Africa) Ltd, trading as The Vault Lounge Dudubar was fined £2,100 and ordered to pay £840 victim surcharge and costs of £1,524 and the company director, Mr Eyitouyo Ejuetami was fined £2,100 and also ordered to pay £840 victim surcharge at Luton Magistrates Court on 31 October 2023.

In August 2022, a council Environmental Health Officer visited Vault Lounge Dudubar, 19-21 High Town Road, Luton, to investigate a customer complaint. The officer found poor food hygiene standards including poor cleanliness and storage practices and an infestation of cockroaches. The business was immediately closed at the time using hygiene emergency prohibition powers.

The business has since been re-inspected and has a food hygiene rating of 3.

Councillor Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for Public Health at Luton Council, said "We will not hesitate to take action where businesses fail to put the safety of the public first. It is essential that food business owners take their responsibilities seriously when operating a food business and they must be directly involved with that business to ensure the safety of members of the public.

“All food businesses must have permanent, ongoing and adequate procedures in place to monitor and control pests and that includes using a competent and professional pest control company. Effective pest control also includes having good standards of cleanliness and maintenance of equipment, floors and surfaces.”

Businesses should use a reputable pest controller which is registered with the British Pest Control Association or The National Pest Technical Association. Alternatively, businesses can get advice and guidance and use the council’s own pest control traded service by contacting 01582 546814 or emailing [email protected]

Where a food business is found to have pest activity, it faces emergency closure and prosecution.

Customers can view the food ratings of local establishments.