The owners of a bakery in South London have been fined nearly £7,000 after council inspectors found a gas cooker at risk of exploding and other serious safety hazards inside the premises.
Spice N Nice, located on Coldharbour Lane in Camberwell, was at the centre of a Southwark Council prosecution after environmental health officers discovered the use of a liquefied petroleum gas cooker that posed a significant danger to both customers and residents living in flats above the shop.
During a routine inspection in July 2024, officers also uncovered a large number of gas canisters stored on site and poorly maintained electrical systems, including hazardous sockets and faulty lighting circuits.
Owners Ignored Previous Warnings
Business owners Dezrene Judith Clarke, 53, and Mark Scott, 73, from Carshalton, had been warned 18 months earlier to cease using the gas cooker. However, the dangerous equipment remained in use, prompting the council to bring the case to court.
The pair pleaded guilty to four offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on March 3.
Two charges related to the failure to maintain gas equipment and implement fire safety measures. The remaining charges addressed poor electrical safety and a failure to safeguard employee wellbeing under electricity at work regulations.
Financial Penalties Imposed
Ms Clarke was fined £1,800, with an additional £450 victim surcharge and £1,500 in court costs. Mr Scott received a £1,200 fine, plus the same surcharge and court costs. In total, the pair must pay £6,900.
Council Response
Southwark Council has warned other businesses to take health and safety laws seriously. Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:
“This conviction sends a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses that neglect the safety of their employees and customers.
Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is paramount, and we will take decisive action against those who fail in this duty. The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we will continue to enforce the law to protect them.”
The bakery remains under council scrutiny and must now meet all health and safety requirements to avoid further penalties.
Anyone concerned about safety at a local business can report their concerns to Southwark Council’s environmental health team via the local authority’s website.
