Food City in Bradford fined in shisha pipes Covid breach

Food City, based on Great Horton Road, was brought to court to face one charge of failing to comply with a coronavirus restriction notice.

The restaurant was found to have failed to cease trading despite such businesses being under restrictions at the time, in that shisha and water pipes were consumed on the premises on June 8, 2021.

Some of the shisha pipes found at Food City during Bradford Council's inspection in June 2021

Bradford Council officials visited the restaurant and found seven members of the public sharing shisha pipes at the restaurant which had been lit in its kitchen and then smoked in the main seating area during its inspection.

The restaurant was initially handed a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for the Covid rule breach, but the council said it did not receive payment for this.

But the case against Food City was proved in the absence of anyone from the company at Bradford & Keighley Magistrates’ Court on May 10, 2022.

At the hearing, the business was fined £2,000, ordered to pay £650 costs and a £190 victim surcharge for the offence.

A Bradford Council spokesman confirmed it initially received a report from the public about the restaurant.

The shisha pipes found at Food City, Great Horton Road

It said: “Food City Bradford Ltd, trading as Food City, was prosecuted after the premises were inspected on June 8, 2021 and found to be breaking the Covid-19 rules which were in place at the time.

“We had received a report from a member of the public that the business was allowing shisha pipes to be smoked on its premises.

“Officers inspecting the site found seven members of the public sharing shisha pipes, which had been lit in the kitchen then smoked in the main seating area.

“We issued the business with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice, but payment was not received.

“The case came before the Magistrates Court on May 10, 2022 and resulted in Food City Bradford Ltd receiving a fine of £2,000, costs of £650 and victim surcharge of £190.”

Food City opened in Great Horton Road in 2019

Food City’s breach was contrary to regulations 16(5)(c) and (6) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Entry to Venues and Events) (England) Regulations 2021.

Food City opened in 2019 following a £700,000 revamp of the site on Great Horton Road.

The building, which was previously run as an Indian restaurant, was gutted before new plumbing and electrics were installed before it was opened as Food City.