A disgusting fish and chip restaurant in Blackpool was shut down after inspectors found it was infested with rodents and posed 'an imminent risk to health'.
Inspectors found a dead rat at Mickey Finns on Central Drive and a 'large amount of rat droppings' to the basement which was being used for food storage and preparation. Blackpool Council’s Food Control Officers visited the premises on March 17 this year and said potatoes were found to the floor of the basement, offering a food source to the vermin.
Damage was also found to the fabric of the building, giving points of access to the pests, while a waste pipe to the toilet facilities in the basement was also not capped correctly allowing for access through the drainage system. It also resulted in 'foul sewage smells' entering the basement.
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Blackpool Magistrates Court heard how inspecting officers found a dead rat behind a freezer to the ground floor service area. The business was closed down immediately after officers deemed that there was an 'imminent risk to health'.
An application was then made to the court for an emergency prohibition order to keep the food business closed until officers were satisfied that the health risk no longer existed. Mickey Finns was given permission to reopen on March 31 following 'extensive maintenance work' to the basement and 'multiple visits' from a pest control contractor.
Food business operator Joginder Paul attended Blackpool Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to seven food hygiene offences. He was sentenced on Wednesday (December 7) and fined £1,314, ordered to pay £2,000 costs and a £130 victim surcharge.
Magistrates also made an order under food safety legislation, prohibiting the 48-year-old from being involved in the management of a food business. The council said Paul had received 'multiple warnings' over the years that he has been responsible for this food business and 'failed to take heed'.
Cllr Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Public Safety and Enforcement, said: "We are pleased that this case was successfully prosecuted for food hygiene offences. Blackpool Council will not tolerate such a blatant lack of regard for the safety of its residents and visitors, and the sentence awarded is reflective of that."
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