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Latest News - Prosecutions

2nd October 2025

Liverpool pub to pay 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. 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.

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.

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