Mouse lands shop with £3,000 court bill

David HumphreysLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLiverpool City Council A close up of the shop front of L6 Continental, in yellow lettering over a backgroundLiverpool City Council
L6 Continental on West Derby Road in Tuebrook was found to pose an "imminent risk to health"

A shop was has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 in costs after inspectors found evidence mice had gnawed food - and one ran in front of them.

L6 Continental on West Derby Road in Tuebrook posed an "imminent risk to health" and was forced to temporarily close after a visit on 11 February, Liverpool City Council said.

The owners were ordered to pay the council's costs at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates' Court.

The court heard it had now taken enough action to allow it to reopen.

The hearing was told the shop had been subject to a random hygiene check following "significant concerns".

Inspectors also found mouse droppings, including on shelving units and floors. Dead mice were found on glue boards.

News imageLiverpool City Council A packet of what appears to be pork scratchings with a nibble hole in the cornerLiverpool City Council
The rodents had gnawed through packets of food

An inspection took place at the shop ahead of the hearing on Wednesday afternoon, with officials satisfied it could continue trading.

The emergency notice was applied for the period the shop was closed.

Costs of £3,220 were awarded to the city council by the magistrates despite attempts shop's appeal for leniency.

In November 2023, the business was stripped of its premises licence after vapes and illegal cigarettes were found.

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