Llanelli nightclub owner prosecuted for waste disposal

A Llanelli nightclub owner has been prosecuted in court for failing to have the proper arrangements in place for the disposal of his waste.
Matthew Alexander Williams, aged 25, of Pant Bryn lsaf, Llwynhendy, appeared before Carmarthen Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to two offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The court heard that the council’s environmental enforcement section received a complaint of rubbish escaping from bins to the rear of Mayhem Nightclub in Stepney Street and causing a litter problem.
On January 9 this year officers attended the scene and saw that the waste bin had been overfilled, the lid was left open and rubbish bags had been left on the ground next to the bin. There were also glass bottles and empty beer cans loose on the ground.
Enquiries revealed that the landlord of the property had leased the premise to Williams who was trading under the name of Mayhem Nightclub.
The officers arranged to meet Williams at the nightclub and he confirmed that his waste was being taken away by a local waste carrier and that he would be able to obtain transfer notes to show where his waste had been taken.
Williams was issued with a notice which required him to produce waste transfer notes detailing how and where his business waste had been disposed of. However, he failed to produce the relevant details in the time limit and was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £300. No payment was received, despite a reminder letter being sent warning him that if he did not pay court proceedings would be instigated.
Williams was fined a total of £400 by magistrates (£200 for each offence) and ordered to pay £400 towards prosecution costs, a £150 court charge and a £20 victim surcharge.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “All businesses must have an agreement in place with a fully licensed waste company to make sure that any waste produced during the course of their business, is stored, transported and disposed of without harming the environment; known as their ‘Duty of Care.’
“The majority of businesses in Carmarthenshire are compliant with the legislation; however, we will not hesitate to take action against those who are not.”
For further information on business waste visit the council website or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.