Chilli and mice, but no fine

A RESTAURANT owner whose filthy kitchen was overrun by mice has escaped a fine.

Angor Miah, of the Chilli restaurant and takeaway, Huddersfield Road, Oldham, had already pleaded guilty to 14 counts under the Food Hygiene Act. And when Oldham magistrates referred the case to Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court for sentencing — such was the seriousness of the matter — Mr Miah was given 80 hours of community service.

No fine was issued and no court costs were awarded.

Mice droppings, cigarette ends, a blocked sink and a rear yard full of rubbish were evident when Mr Miah’s premises were inspected by environmental health officers in December, 2008.

Officers issued a prohibition notice but, due to a technical error, it could not be issued that day. When officers turned up at Chilli’s the next day, they noticed a vast improvement.

During a second inspection in August, 2009, officers found raw and cooked chicken stored on the same shelf.