Walsall banqueting venue prosecuted after rat droppings found

Lal Haveli on Bradford Street in Walsall, run by Tawa Place Limited and operated by Mr Abul Hussain (an award-winning Indian food chef), was subject to an unannounced inspection on May 2, 2023 following a complaint from a member of the public. 

Officers from the council’s Environmental Health team found rat droppings throughout the premises, including on the flooring of food preparation areas, in the basement and in decorative drapes in the banqueting hall. 

The kitchen was also found in an unclean state.

At the time, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served and following close working with Environmental Health and a pest control contractor, the business was allowed to re-open on May 9, 2023.

The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates Court on December 18 and Mr Hussain pleaded guilty to food hygiene offences at Lal Haveli in Walsall. 

He was fined £1,061 with victim surcharges of £424 and costs of £1,500, totalling £2,985. 

A collection order has been issued for Mr Hussain to make the first payment within 28 days.

Lal Haveli, trading as Tawa Place Limited, was fined £16,660 with victim surcharges of £2,000 and costs of £1,643, totalling £20,303.

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council said, “This is an establishment that has fell significantly short of food hygiene, safety and cleaning standards by failing to put in place the correct measures that are recognised standards in the industry. 

"Furthermore, it poses a serious risk of ill health to the public.

“I would like to thank our officers for their hard work in keeping us safe and in bringing this case to court, resulting in a huge fine. 

"We want our local businesses to thrive and we will continue to work closely with food premises to ensure that standards are complied with.”