A huge fine has been slapped on the operators of Best In Late Shop after what inspectors found
Mice had gnawed through packet noodles
More than 50 mice were found in a filthy convenience shop which was deemed an “immediate risk to health.” Mouse droppings were found strewn all over shelves storing food at Best In Late Shop on Atwell Street when inspected by Liverpool Council officials.
Following complaints of a sighting, what officers actually found was an infestation. Rodents had gnawed foods and packets that were on sale to customers, including pre-packed noodles, crisps and chocolates, while a dead mouse was also found under a freezer.
The shop’s operator has now been slapped with a £13,000 fine after pleading guilty to breaking hygiene regulations. During an enforced closure of the shop, 55 mice were caught inside.
Liverpool Council took Freshone Ltd. to Liverpool Magistrates Court for five breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations. An initial inspection took place in October 2024.
Mouse droppings were found all over the store, with conditions so unhygienic it had to be immediately shut down. It was also awarded the lowest food hygiene rating of zero.
Following on from the guilty plea, St Helens-based Freshone Ltd. was fined £5,334 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 alongside costs of £5,694.55, which were awarded to Liverpool Council.
One charge brought against the business said the shop contained gaps/holes which provided entry points into the premises and provided areas of harbourage for mice.
Droppings were found next to where food was kept
Another said conditions were so bad it posed a “a serious risk of contamination.”
Following a second inspection, the shop has since reopened.
In May this year, it was inspected once again and awarded a food hygiene rating of five – the highest available. Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: “The conditions in Best In Late Shop when our Environmental Health Officers visited were truly horrific.
“We take food hygiene and safety extremely seriously and this goes to show that we will take definitive action if a business fails to meet its legal requirements.
“What is pleasing to see is that the business has owned up to its mistakes and has used our recommendations to fully turn things around, which is ultimately what we would want to see happen.
“Of course, we shouldn’t see something like this happen in the first place, which is why businesses should be closely following hygiene guidelines at all times.”
Liverpool Council’s Environmental Health service operates the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. The public can check the food hygiene rating of most food business in Liverpool by visiting www.food.gov.uk/ratings