THE boss of an Indian takeaway chain has escaped sanctions after he failed to report a drink-driving conviction to licensing chiefs.
Jaspal Singh Gill, who is a director of Slumdog, which has branches in Edinburgh and Dalkeith, appealed to East Lothian Council’s licensing board to let him keep his personal licence to sell alcohol at a virtual meeting.
The 37-year-old told the board that following his conviction in December 2019, the pandemic had hit and he had had to make several journeys back and forward to India to help care for his dad, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer.
He said: “I am not using it as an excuse, I am just stating my circumstances.”
Alistair Macdonald, representing the takeaway boss, said of the drink-driving incident: “It was a massive error of judgement”.
He said: “He was with a friend celebrating and went into a bar, which he very seldom does. He tried to drive home and bumped into a parked car. He was fined and banned for 12 months.
“He is so grateful that no one was hurt first and foremost and pled guilty.”
Jaspal added: “It was a stupid mistake and I want to apologise and assure you it will never happen again.
“I have learned my lesson and if you can give me another chance I would greatly appreciate it.”
Police Constable Graeme Bairden reminded the board of the “potential consequences” of driving under the influence of alcohol, adding “Police Scotland take it extremely seriously.”
But the board’s licensing standards officer Rudi Fruzynski said: “I always believe people who show remorse should be given a second chance and that is my stance in this particular case.”
Councillor Fiona Dugdale, board member, said: “I am happy to take him at his word and take cognisance of the situation he was in at the time.”
The board unanimously agreed to take no further action.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here