Uninvited guests cost wedding caterer thousands in environmental health fine
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A wedding caterer in Walsall has been fined thousands of pounds after Environmental Health officers discovered mouse droppings on a premises last year.
A case was heard against Walsall Catering at Dudley Magistrates Court on 12 November 2025. The company operates from Green Lane, Walsall, and specialises in Asian cuisine for all occasions.
Ramzan Raza, 30, of Cairns Street, Walsall, represented the business, and was in attendance where he pleaded guilty to two offences of having inadequate procedures in place to control pests and failure to keep the premises in a clean state.
Magistrates heard a routine inspection by Walsall Council Environmental Health officers on 28 November 2024 found the presence of mice in and around the premises. Officers arrived at the inspection whilst staff were preparing for an event to cater for 300 people, where droppings were found on the floor and around food storage areas. Chew marks were also discovered on paper towels.
Officers deemed the conditions to pose an imminent risk to public health and served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice – forcing the business to immediately stop activity.
Mr Raza was ordered to pay a £1760 fine, a £704 victim surcharge, and over £3028 in costs.
“ Those planning weddings and other celebrations to mark major life events with family and friends should be able to book caterers knowing their safety is a priority - a food poisoning outbreak would be devastating for any party organiser.
I would encourage anyone eating out, having a takeaway or booking caterers for celebrations to check the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme and ensure they only use businesses that are taking their legal responsibilities seriously. “
Walsall Catering reopened within a fortnight after the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served and could demonstrate to Environmental Health officers that they had implemented the appropriate hygiene and safety measures.
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