TWO LOCAL BUSINESSES in Hackney have been fined almost £5,000 after they were found dumping bag of rubbish outside their shops.
Cllr Feryal Dermici, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Sustainability
Hackney Council is now urging local businesses to make sure they keep their streets and areas clean as the busy festive period approaches.
Restaurant owner of Griller 66 on Stamford Hill was fined £1810 and owner of Cheri on Stoke Newington High Street was fined £2870 after being prosecuted at Thames Magistrates Court last week.
Cllr Feryal Dermici, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, said: “Dumping rubbish on the street damages Hackney’s environment and is unfair on the thousands of residents and visitors who shop or work on our high streets.”
Cautions were issued but after owners refused to sign or pay the fixed penalty notices of £180 –they were taken to court.
She added: “Our staff do a great job keeping Hackney’s streets clean, but we need businesses to take responsibility for their waste. That means making arrangements for the disposal of their waste by an authorised waste carrier instead of dumping it on the street and expecting taxpayers to foot the bill to clean it up.
There is very clear guidance on commercial waste disposal and we will always offer advice to businesses, but should a venue repeatedly flaunt the law they will be prosecuted.”
The Council’s environmental enforcement team check whether businesses are carrying out their duties and investigate those who do not have arrangements in place.
If you suspect a business of illegally dumping rubbish on the street, contact enforcementsupport@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 4504.