8 hours ago
Stockport restaurant owner fined over mouse infestation
The owner of a dessert restaurant has been fined after a "serious" mouse infestation was discovered. Dessert Lounge on Castle Street in Edgeley, Stockport, was visited by inspectors who found droppings "immediately upon entry" in July Javed Shah admitted seven food hygiene offences at Tameside Magistrates' Court last month and was fined £500. He was also ordered to pay £7,000 in costs and a £1,400 victim surcharge. Inspectors found droppings throughout the restaurant including on food packaging, plastic cups and food preparation surfaces, Stockport Council said.
A follow up inspection in March found the business had addressed the issues and awarded it a Food Hygiene Rating of 4.
'Appalling conditions'
The council said Shah accepted "full responsibility" for the failings and told the court he was no longer involved in the business. Inspectors also found the restaurant had no effective pest control, food handlers had not been adequately trained or supervised and there were no accessible wash hand basins with hot and cold running water or hygienic hand-drying facilities. Coun Dan Oliver, cabinet member for communities, culture and public protection, said the "appalling conditions" found at the business represented "a serious failure to protect public health". This kind of negligence is completely unacceptable, and we will continue to take strong enforcement action against any business that puts customers at risk," he said.
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