Newquay restaurant with rat infestation fined for breaching food hygiene rules

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.

Pollocks Pub Company Ltd pleaded guilty at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013, following an inspection at the 12 Beach Road venue.

Magistrates heard that Cornwall Council’s inspectors found filthy conditions and an active rat infestation, with old and fresh rodent droppings in areas used for food and drink storage. The authority stated that at the time of the inspection, a live rat was seen by an officer in the corridor adjoining the kitchen. Food equipment and the structure of the premises were found to be in a poor state of cleanliness, with significant dirt observed.

Following the inspection on 18th October last year, the company agreed to voluntarily close the premises while the infestation was dealt with and to undertake a deep clean.

Cornwall Council says further investigation indicated that there had been an ongoing rodent infestation at the premises for some time.

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

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

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder 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 as 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.”