An Indian restaurant in the UK has been fined by a court after neighbours complained of strong 'curry smells' coming from the place. Middlesbrough Council fined owners of the Khushi Indian Buffet Restaurant, Shabana and Mohammed Khushi, after aromas of their biryanis and bhajis kept wafting in the neighbourhood.
Local authority said the restaurant lacked a “sufficient filtration system” prompting complains from several locals. District Judge Kristina Harrison, from Teesside Magistrates' Court, heard from a council prosecutor that some residents had complained about the smell of spicy food from the restaurant's kitchen that got in through their windows and was overpowering. It was said that the smells were so strong, they had to wash their clothes.
Both Shabana and Mohammed were fined £258 each, and ordered to pay £500 costs each and a £30 victim surcharge. Defence solicitor Neil Douglas said that because the business had moved into a building that formerly served as a pub, no variation of planning permission was needed and therefore, the owners were never appraised of the type of filters they needed. Joint directors in the restaurant, eventhough the pair have already upgraded their filtration system, they face another £3500 and £4500 bills to complete the work.
Speaking after the verdict, Shabana said, “We are relieved that it's all over, but we feel let down by the council. We've tried to be a good neighbour but we feel we've been targeted by a small minority of people. Others have said they can't smell anything until they're inside the restaurant.” Mohammed said, “It has been very stressful. We have had this hanging over us, and we will also have the fine hanging over us and when you start a business, you're trying everything you can to be a success.”
