Look inside dirty tea room near Stourbridge where inspectors found mice infestation
The owner of a tea room near Stourbridge where hygiene inspectors found a mice infestation and no hot water for staff to wash their hands has been handed a fine.
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Willow Tree Tea Rooms, on Bridgnorth Road in Stourton, was visited by inspectors at South Staffordshire Council.
Inside, they discovered poor conditions including a lack of cleaning and what was described as an "extensive" mice infestation throughout the kitchen and storage areas.
The inspectors also found there was no hot water available for food handlers to wash their hands.
Council officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on Peter McGovern, the owner of the business, which immediately closed it down.
The tea room was required to remain shut until the mouse infestation had been dealt with.
Mr McGovern attended Kidderminster Magistrates Court on December 6 where he pleaded guilty to offences contrary to Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations.
The judge imposed a £2,000 fine and ordered the business owner to pay a victim surcharge of £800 with prosecution costs of £3,322.17 totalling a fine of £6.122.17.
Councillor Rita Heseltine, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “South Staffordshire Council has a proud record of helping local food businesses to comply with legislation, through offering free advice and support.
"This business failed to protect the public and did not act promptly on evidence of rodent activity within the business.
"The conditions found by officers were an imminent risk to health and a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice had to be served on the business to prevent them from trading.
"I am pleased that the court, through the penalties imposed, recognised the seriousness of this matter. We would always encourage food businesses to seek our advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity.”
