Tea rooms shut over extensive mouse infestation

Peter McGovern, owner of Willow Tree Tea Rooms, pleaded guilty to food safety and hygiene failings

The owner of a tea room has been fined after council inspectors discovered an "extensive mouse infestation" at the premises.

Peter McGovern pleaded guilty to breaching food safety and hygiene standards in relation to Willow Tree Tea Rooms in Stourton, Staffordshire,.

He was fined a total of £6,122.17 at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on 6 December, according to South Staffordshire Council.

The premises were well below the standard expected from a food business, the council said, adding there was a mouse infestation throughout the kitchen and storage areas, and no hot water for food handlers to wash their hands.

Council officers served an emergency prohibition notice, closing the business until the mouse infestation was addressed.

Willow Tree Tea Rooms was ordered to close until the mouse infestation was properly dealt with

Councillor Rita Heseltine said: "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."

She added: "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."

The authority said a judge imposed a fine of £2,000 as well as a victim surcharge of £800 and prosecution costs of £3,322.17.