City Centre restaurant raid drama

Jun 6 2008 by Jenny Wood

BORDER police swooped on Perth businesses last night in a series of city centre raids.

Led by the UK Border Agency, a variety of restaurants and take-aways were targetted to check things were above board.

The outcome of last night’s operation is not yet known.

The swoop started at 5pm when the UK Border Agency (UKBA) – backed up by Tayside Police, Environmental Health, Food Safety, HM Customs and Revenue, the Department of Work and Pensions and Tayside Fire and Rescue – knocked at the door of the first catering establishment.

Paperwork and premises were checked by experts during the Perth raids which went on for several hours.

And officials from the agencies involved checked everything from the legality of workers to kitchen hygiene.

Inspector Paul Menzies, liaison officer between the Scottish Police Service and UKBA, explained: “This is the fourth of these operations in Scotland with the view of ensuring the public are protected under legislation.”

Insp. Menzies explained: “The last three operations unfortunately highlighted that a minority of employers will flaunt legislation such as employment law, health and safety, fire regulations and housing of multiple occupation.”

A police spokesman confirmed details of last night’s raids. He said: “During the operation, representatives and officers of the various agencies visited a number of licensed and take-away restaurants and food outlets, with the aim of ensuring that they are complying with various regulations and ensuring public safety.

“Areas of the catering industry that are being scrutinised include health and safety, food hygiene, employment law, immigration and customs matters.”

Our reporter Jenny Wood joined the agencies during last night’s raids. See next week’s PA to read about the dramatic Perth swoops.