Where serious offences arise or there is a history of non-compliance, consideration will be given to pursuing prosecution/formal caution. Examples of situations that could result in prosecution are:-
Non-compliance with an Enforcement Notice or other legal notice.
Breach of an authorisation/permit condition.
Where there is a history of non-compliance.
Operating a process requiring an authorisation/permit without one.
Obstruction of an authorised officer.
Our aim is to promote a fair and safe trading environment in the borough to protect the consumer and ensure that businesses are competing on a "level playing field". We also have responsibilities in the field of animal health.
We have signed up to the Government's "Enforcement Concordat" which sets out principles of good practice in regulatory and enforcement activity.
Before we undertake any criminal proceedings in court we have to ensure that the case is in the public interest to prosecute. We may instead offer alleged offenders the opportunity to formally admit their guilt and accept a formal caution. Our
Enforcement Policy and Charter sets out the sort of criteria we use when considering legal action, and is currently available for consultation on our internet.
