A restaurant that failed to deal with a rat infestation and was in a filthy condition has been fined following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Council. 

The pub company owners of the restaurant 12 Beach Road, Newquay pleaded guilty in court yesterday (Tuesday, October 8) to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations (England) 2013. 

Before Bodmin Magistrates' Court was Pollocks Pub Company Ltd. 

Magistrates heard from Cornwall Council’s legal team of the conditions that were found at 12 Beach Road, Newquay following an inspection on October 18, 2023.

The inspecting officer was said to have found "filthy" conditions, an active rat infestation and a "clear failure to implement systems" to ensure safe food was served to their customers. 

Food equipment and the structure of the premises was found to be in a poor state of cleanliness with "significant dirt observed."

The inspector reported that there was an extensive rodent infestation and activity throughout the building. Large amounts of both old and fresh rodent droppings were observed in areas used for food and drink storage and preparation.

A live rat was seen in the corridor adjoining the kitchen by the officer at the time of the inspection.  

Following the inspection the restaurant's owners agreed to voluntarily close the premises whilst the infestation was dealt with, and to undertake a deep clean. 

The council said that further investigation indicated that there had been an ongoing rodent infestation at the premises for some time, during which they continued to trade, putting their customers at risk. 

The owners of 12 Beach Road Newquay have been fined in court (Image: Google Street View) Pollocks Pub Company Ltd, which operate a number of restaurants and bars in Cornwall, was fined £1,000 with an additional victim surcharge of £400 and the council was awarded costs of £3,426 

Summing up, the magistrates said these were serious breaches of the regulations that potentially put the public at risk, and that food ratings were earned and not entitled. 

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder responsible for Enforcement and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “Clearly the conditions at these premises were far below the required standard. This business knew it had a rodent problem but failed to address it. 

“I hope this case acts a reminder to other food businesses that we will not hesitate to prosecute where members of the public are put at risk in this way.”