More than 100 kilos of suspicious meat were seized from another business supplying restaurants as part of Harrow Council ‘days and nights of action’ to crack down on rogue traders.
In one routine inspection of a restaurant in Rayners Lane, the council’s environmental health team uncovered a “severe rat infestation”.
Officers found rat droppings in food, on packaging and on surfaces used for preparing food. These violations, alongside a dirty food storage unit, prompted officers to call for the immediate closure of the premises. The council says the restaurant cannot be named as the case is ongoing.
The owners were ordered to pay £1,670 and shut the restaurant immediately. They will need to implement and maintain pest control before they are permitted to open again, with monitoring to continue.
Harrow Sports Bar in South Harrow was also ordered to close after it was caught selling alcohol without a licence despite numerous council and police warnings to stop.
Officers found the premises selling alcohol to customers on four visits between November and December. The council claims the bar’s owner, Ms Ging, lied by firstly denying any unlicensed activity before later blaming her accountant for the mistakes.
Ms Ging also claimed she did not receive the warning notice, despite these being sent via email, hand delivered and recorded delivery, according to the council.
Following a hearing, a court granted full closure of the premises.
Cabinet member for cleaner streets and public protection Cllr Pritesh Patel said: “This owner has shown a blatant disregard for the law and putting people’s safety at risk. It’s a slap in the face to the many businesses who follow the rules and carry out their duty of care.
“Ms Ging knew they needed to obtain a licence but chose not to despite being advised and warned on numerous occasions. This is simply not on, and we will continue to crack down on this behaviour to keep our borough and our residents safe.”
In separate cases, more than 100 kilos of meat were seized and destroyed after officers found they were smoked in a residential garden and sold to restaurants.
They also seized 30 kilos of illegally imported pork. Both culprits followed no hygiene regulations, did not have the relevant licence, and there was no trace of where the meat came from, which the council highlighted “could put public health at risk”.
Cllr Patel said: “Anyone that puts public health at risk will face the full force of law – just as these traders have. While most businesses do comply and follow the rules, it’s concerning that some are operating like this. That’s why we’re putting the pressure on those flouting the rules and will continue to crack down on this sort of behaviour.”
He added: “I would like to thank officers for the work carried out to ensure the safety of our residents, and ensuring food operators are complying with food safety laws.”
‘Days and nights of action’ include antisocial behaviour enforcement, fly-tipping information, women’s safety, and business compliance.
Cllr Patel added: “We’ve had some great success and we’ll continue these days of action until we get it right for you. It’s all part of our vision to restore pride in Harrow.”
