Walsall restaurants closed due to rats
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There’s a rat in me kitchen what am I gonna do? Two restaurants in Walsall have been closed by Environmental Health Officers this month due to rats.
On 2 May 2023 Officers visited Lal Haveli, 68 - 72, Bradford Street, Walsall. During their visit they observed a widespread rat infestation and found droppings on the kitchen floor, in the cellar and within curtains in the Banqueting Hall. Officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice to close the premises immediately.
During a revisit to the premises, Officers observed a live rat in the cellar.
On 9 May 2023 the restaurant was allowed to reopen when Officers were satisfied that the health risk condition had been removed. Lal Haveli was ordered by The Court to pay the Council’s costs of £475.
On Thursday 11 May 2023 a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was also served to Boatmans Bar and Grill, 20 High Street, Walsall Wood, WS9 9LP because of a rat infestation.
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I am frankly disgusted and very disappointed by these cases. The Council does not ever want to close a restaurant to stop people from doing business, especially with the high cost of living, but community safety is our top priority.
“We do not want people to contract diseases and fall ill due to the state of these food businesses. To keep everyone safe, food businesses must remain clean and adhere to food hygiene laws, and we are ready to take necessary action against those who flout the law in order to keep the people safe.
“Thank you to our hard-working officers whose work helps keep our communities safe, healthy and well
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Environmental Health officers regularly visit premises, including takeaways, restaurants and sites where food is prepared, across the borough to check if they are hygienic and up to standard.
Members of the public that have concerns about the hygiene of any food premises are urged to report their concerns.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Information on how to contact Environnmental Health can be found here https://go.walsall.gov.uk/business/food-businesses-and-their-safety
