Newquay restaurant fined over filthy conditions and rat infestation
Pollocks Pub Company's pleaded guilty to three food hygiene offences at Bodmin Magistrates after an inspection of the premises on Beach Road
The owners of a restaurant in Newquay have been fined after inspectors found filthy conditions and a rat infestation.
Pollocks Pub Company's pleaded guilty to three food hygiene offences at Bodmin Magistrates after an inspection of the premises on Beach Road.
They've had to pay a thousand pound fine, plus almost four thousand pounds in costs following the successful prosecution from Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team.
Back on October 8h, the firm 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.
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.
They also found that food equipment, as well as the premises structure, was in a poor state of cleanliness.
Large amounts of both old and fresh rodent droppings were also spotted in areas used for food and drink storage and preparation.
At the time of the inspection, they also found a live rat in the corridor adjoining the kitchen.
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.”