Blackpool food operator pleads guilty to hygiene offences

A man has been prosecuted at Blackpool Magistrates Court for seven food hygiene offences.

Joginder Paul, aged 48, the food business operator of Mickey Finns, 24 Central Drive, Blackpool, attended court on 19 October 2022, where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

Mr Paul was invited back to court on 7 December 2022 for sentencing.

On 17 March 2022, Blackpool Council’s food control officers inspected the fish and chip restaurant to discover a rodent infestation. Officers found a large amount of rat droppings to the basement of the establishment, which was being used for food storage and preparation. Potatoes were found to the floor of the basement, offering a food source, and damage was found to the fabric of the building, giving points of access to the pests.

A waste pipe to the toilet facilities in the basement was also not capped correctly, again allowing for access through the drainage system, but also resulted in foul sewage smells entering the basement.

The court heard how officers continued their inspection of the premises, to find a dead rat behind a freezer to the ground floor service area.

Inspecting officers deemed that there was an imminent risk to health, and closed the business immediately. An application was then made to Blackpool magistrates court for an emergency prohibition order, to keep the food business closed until officers were satisfied that the health risk no longer existed.

The business was given permission to reopen on 31 March 2022 following extensive maintenance work to the basement, and multiple visits from a pest control contractor.

Mr Paul was fined £1,314, and was ordered to pay £2,000 costs and £130 victim surcharge.

Magistrates also made an order under food safety legislation, prohibiting Mr Paul from being involved in the management of a food business.

Mr Paul has received multiple warnings over the years that he has been responsible for this food business, and has failed to take heed.

Cllr Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Public Safety and Enforcement, said:

“We are pleased that this case was successfully prosecuted for food hygiene offences. “Blackpool Council will not tolerate such a blatant lack of regard for the safety of its residents and visitors, and the sentence awarded is reflective of that.”