A FORMER Cardigan restaurant owner must pay more than £3,000 in fines and costs after a rodent infestation led to the premises being shut down by environmental health officials.

Rysul Asad, of Gloster Row, Cardigan, the former proprietor of Gulshan Indian restaurant, Chancery Lane, pleaded guilty to 10 food hygiene offences when he appeared before magistrates at Aberystwyth Justice Centre earlier this week.

Four offences related to the presence of a significant rodent infestation at the restaurant, which was under Asad’s control at the time. A further five offences related to the poor standards of cleaning found during the investigation.

Emergency action was taken by Ceredigion County Council environmental health officers in September, 2017 following the discovery of a rodent infestation at the premises and resulted in the immediate closure of the food business.

Rodent activity, including the presence of droppings, entry points and gnawing, was discovered within food preparation and food storage areas. Officers also discovered dirty equipment and very poor standards of cleaning.

There were concerns disease could be passed on to customers through contaminated surfaces, equipment and food and posed a significant health risk leading to the immediate closure of the restaurant at the time.

Asad also pleaded guilty to a further offence of failing to register his new food business, namely Shatun Sharha Limited trading as Shampan the Boat Restaurant and Takeaway, River Teifi, Quay Street, Lower Mwldan, Cardigan, for which he is now the proprietor.

Asad failed to notify the commercial services team at Ceredigion County Council of this change following his departure from Gulshan in November 2017.

The 42-year-old was fined a total of £1,532 for the offences and was also ordered by magistrates to pay £1,425 costs and a £150 victim surcharge - a total of £3,107 to be paid at £50 per month.

Ceredigion cabinet member for public protection services, Cllr Gareth Lloyd said following the trial: “Cases like this underline the importance of the work of our food and safety team and the value of our inspection programme.

“The food safety team works hard with local businesses to meet and maintain legal food hygiene standards to ensure the best hygiene safety in our county.”

“Food hygiene inspections, and food hygiene ratings shown on the doors of the majority of food businesses in Ceredigion, gives reassurance to the public who live, work and visit the county that the food they eat is safe and has been prepared hygienically.

“However, on rare occasions the council must take action to protect public health and the reputation of our excellent hospitality industry who work hard to maintain standards.”