November 4, 2024

South West News

South West News from Gloucestershire to Cornwall

Filthy restaurant with rat infestation ordered to pay £4,646 for food safety breaches

A restaurant that failed to deal with a rat infestation and was in a filthy condition has been fined following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Council.

On October 8, 2024, Pollocks Pub Company Ltd pleaded guilty at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations (England) 2013.

Magistrates heard from the Council’s legal team of the conditions that were found that following an inspection on the October 18, 2023, of 12 Beach Road, Newquay.

The inspecting officer found filthy conditions, an active rat infestation and a clear failure to implement systems to ensure safe food was served to their customers.

Food equipment and the structure of the premises was found to be in a poor state of cleanliness with significant dirt observed. There was an extensive rodent infestation and activity throughout the building. Large amounts of both old and fresh rodent droppings were observed in areas used for food and drink storage and preparation. A live rat was seen in the corridor adjoining the kitchen by the officer at the time of the inspection.

Following the inspection on October 18, 2023, they agreed to voluntarily close the premises whilst the infestation was dealt with and to undertake a deep clean.

Further investigation indicated that there had been an ongoing rodent infestation at the premises for some time, during which they continued to trade, putting their customers at risk.

Pollocks Pub Company Ltd, which operate a number of restaurants and bars in Cornwall, was fined £1,000 with an additional victim surcharge of £400 and the Council was awarded costs of £3,426

Summing up, the Magistrates said these were serious breaches of the regulations that potentially put the public at risk, and that food ratings were earned and not entitled.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder responsible for Enforcement and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “Clearly the conditions at these premises were far below the required standard. This business knew it had a rodent problem but failed to address it.

“I hope this case acts a reminder to other food businesses that we will not hesitate to prosecute where members of the public are put at risk in this way.”