Photos reveal mouse droppings in washing up area of Merry Hill coffee shop fined for hygiene failings
Grim photos show the state of a coffee shop riddled with mouse droppings, leading to it being temporarily closed and an £8,000 court bill.
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Excrement was found on surfaces, including in the servery area, of SOHO Coffee in the Merry Hill centre, as well as more droppings in the washing up areas, the electrical cupboard, the dry store and the office during an unannounced inspection on March 28 last year, in response to concerns of pest activity at the cafe.
At Dudley Magistrates Court on Wednesday, magistrates heard how Dudley Council inspectors also found defects in the pest proofing equipment at the coffee shop, and shut it down with immediate effect.
The local authority has now issued pictures of what inspectors found inside the coffee shop, with mouse droppings seen on the floor and surfaces.
"Mice droppings were found throughout the premises. The business was closed down under emergency powers, prosecutor Saima Ahmed-Aziz told the court.
"SOHO Coffee was invited to attend an interview. The company did not attend, however they did submit a statement under caution.
