30/10/2024

Belfast-Based Caffè Nero Premises Fined £4K For Rat Infestation

Caffè Nero in Belfast was fined £4,000 for a suspected rat infestation following the results of a routine hygiene inspection.

Environmental Health Officers carried out the inspection of the coffee shop premises based in 19 Lombard Street on September 19, 2023 and found Caffè Nero did not have adequate procedures to control pests, namely rats, and the premises was not pest proofed.

The shop was rated one indicating 'major improvement necessary' to comply with the food hygiene requirements.
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The operator of the premises agreed to close voluntarily for a number of days until officers were satisfied sufficient measures had been taken to remove the imminent risk to public health.

The £4,000 fines, administered at Belfast Magistrates' Court, relate to two offences with further costs of £359 also ordered to be paid.

The premises has since been re-rated following a further inspection where hygiene conditions within the premises were deemed to be at satisfactory standard and a food hygiene rating of 4 (good) was issued.

More information about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is available here.

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