Richmond Tavern fined for mice infestation

A Liverpool pub has been hit with a bill for almost £30,000 for food safety breaches.

Environmental Health officers visited Richmond Tavern on Church Road in Wavertree in January 2024 following a complaint, and found evidence of an infestation of mice and droppings (see photograph above). It was ordered to close and given a zero star food hygiene rating.

During the inspection, the council found evidence of inadequate pest control whilst the business continued to serve customers.

There were mouse droppings throughout the kitchen and dining areas, including on work surfaces and shelving, on cleaning equipment and cloths, and on a chopping board. There were gaps and holes in the premises which provided rodents with access into the premises.

The court heard that conditions were so unhygienic that the pub/restaurant was immediately shut down because they presented an imminent risk to health.

Mice and rats are known carriers of salmonella and listeria which can cause serious illness, especially to vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, immunocompromised and those who are pregnant.

There was also a lack of regular cleaning behind cooking equipment resulting in a build of dirt, debris and grease, inaccurate records and a failure to follow pest control advice.

During the closure period a total of 20 mice were caught by the business, which confirmed there was a high level of rodent activity in the premises.

After the premises carried out remedial works, environmental health officers revisited and agreed that the pub/restaurant could reopen.

It was subsequently awarded a five star hygiene rating following a further inspection in July 2024.

At Sefton Magistrates Court on Thursday 25 September, pub operators Mitchells and Butler Leisure Retail Ltd were fined £22,000 with costs of £7,702.35 after pleading guilty to a breach of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Liverpool City Council's Environmental Health service operates the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. The public can check the food hygiene rating of most food business in Liverpool by visiting www.food.gov.uk/ratings

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, said: "This case highlights the vital work of our Environmental Health team in keeping the public safe from falling ill due to poor hygiene in food establishments.

"People rightly expect that food they are having cooked for them and are paying for is safe from diseases such as salmonella and listeria.

"I am pleased that in this case the court has recognised the seriousness of the case, which will act as a deterrent for other businesses.

"It is also good to see that the premises did eventually take the matter seriously, resulting in a much-improved rating when they were re-inspected."