Off-licence prosecuted over mouse droppings

INSPECTION . . . Mouse droppings and rubbish found at Beer and Wine Shop, Greenwood Street, during a food hygiene inspection in July last year

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OLDHAM Council successfully prosecuted an off-licence shop after mouse droppings were discovered during an inspection.

The case was brought against Philip and Joan Davies, owners of Beer and Wine Shop in Greenwood Street, Oldham, following a food hygiene inspection on July 1 last year.

During their visit, officers found adequate pest control procedures were not in place. Mouse droppings were found throughout the premises - on the flooring and shelving in the shop area, among the waste and on stepladders used in the shop.

The food premises had also not been kept clean or maintained in good repair and condition.

Refuse had not been removed from the cellar and shop area, and large amounts of plastic and cardboard were found in the areas where surplus stock was stored.

They also found rotten banana skins and used tissues among the waste. The condition of the cellar and area behind the counter was said said to encourage pests.

Mr and Ms Davies pleaded guilty to three food safety and hygiene offences at Tameside Magistrates Court.

Mr Davies was fined £320 with a £32 victim surcharge and was ordered to pay £1,400 costs. Ms Davies was given a 12-month conditional discharge and a £20 victim surcharge.

Helen Lockwood, executive director of economy, skills and neighbourhood at Oldham Council, said: "Oldham Council takes matters like this very seriously and we are committed to ensuring there are no serious lapses in food hygiene in premises across the borough.

"We will not hesitate to take action in cases like these to protect the health and safety of our residents.

"Business owners who run establishments that serve food must comply with the law or be prepared to face prosecution."

Residents can check food businesses current food hygiene ratings online at http://ratings.food.gov.uk/.