Teen chef pleads to be allowed to keep cooking

A 14 year old boy has said he feels "really upset" that a council has threatened to prosecute his father in order to stop the teenager from cooking in his family food truck.

Dexter, from Four Marks in Hampshire, has said cooking alongside his father after school is his "hobby" and he has asked the council to please let him cook.

Messages sent to the family from Hampshire County Council claim Dexter is working within a "commercial kitchen," which is against the law under The Children & Young Persons Act 1933.

In a statement the council has said it does not comment on individual cases but it "has a legal responsibility to make sure all children in Hampshire are safe".

"I do this for myself really, it's better than sitting in front of a computer all day," Dexter said, from the food truck called "Crane Feasts", which was named in honour of his late grandmother.

The teen said his love for cooking began when he was nine and he has since completed Level 2 Food Hygiene training, and a junior Chef course at Eastleigh College.

"I just like to cook and to make people happy," Dexter said, adding that he has a particular passion for cooking barbecue food.

They family said he cooks in the family truck after school on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturdays, during his downtime.

They have started a petition calling on the council to urgently review and reverse their decision preventing Dexter from continuing his hobby.

It has gained attention from the local community and more than 370 signatures.

"The support has been lovely," Dexter said.

His father Greg Olejarka said he was 11 years old when his Italian grandfather taught him how to cook and he has now had a successful career as a chef.

He said his son has "pure talent" and asked him if he could cook in the truck.

"He comes after his school hours, in his own will, he's not being forced to do it," Greg said.

He added that when other professional chefs have seen his son at work they have noticed his skill.

The popular social media page "The Food Review Club" visited the truck and the video gained thousands of views online.

Greg believes the complaint came following this online success and he is frustrated with the council's reaction.

He said: "For someone to be 14 years old and to have the motivation, passion and dedication to that skill level in the kitchen, it's extraordinary, and I don't understand why the council wants to stop that."

The family made clear that they do not force Dexter to work, adding that they have two other sons, who are not interested in cooking.

Karen Olejarka, Dexter's mother said: "He just loves spending time with his dad and he genuinely gets so much satisfaction out of watching people eat his food."

She added that she was disappointed that the council has not visited to come to understand their son.

"They just sent us a threatening letter and then a notice of intention to prosecute," she said.

She added: "So many people are so proud of him. If they had the decency to take the time to meet him, to talk to him, to find out about him, maybe they would be proud that they have someone like him in their county and support him."

Hampshire County Council said: "We can't comment on individual cases, but we fully recognise how important it is for children to explore their interests and build new skills safely, alongside their education.

"The Council has a legal responsibility to make sure all children in Hampshire are safe, protected, and not missing out on school if they take part in any kind of work.

"This means ensuring they have the right work permit, are not doing tasks or working hours that are prohibited by law for their age, and that any work happens outside the school day.

"These national rules exist to prevent exploitation and keep children safe in potentially risky environments.

"We're always here to help families understand the child employment rules, which can be detailed, and we encourage anyone with questions to get in touch for advice."

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