Blackpool town centre snack bar threatened with legal action over 45 issues related to dirt, mould and grease
Grease and dirt throughout the premises lead to the threat of legal action
A Blackpool business was told to implement urgent improvements to its premises - or face legal action.
Town Hall Kiosk, a snack bar on Clifton Street that serves hot and cold food at low prices, was slapped with a zero food hygiene rating after an inspection in October.
The food safety officer found a total of 45 issues - almost all related to dirt, mould and grease throughout - on their visit to the premises on 7 October, 2024, resulting in the worst rating possible, and a warning that the issues were enough for Blackpool Council to begin legal proceedings.
A letter to Town Hall Kiosk, obtained by The Blackpool Lead, said: “The inspection revealed various structural and cleaning defects, in contravention of the above regulations.
“The facts surrounding the alleged offence, briefly described on the attached schedule, have been reported to the Head of Public Protection, who is satisfied that there are sufficient grounds to institute legal proceedings.
“However, if the defects mentioned in the attached schedule are rectified at the time of the revisit, a simple caution may instead be issued. This course of action is subject to your agreement and admission of the alleged offence. Should you decline the offer of this caution Blackpool Council will instigate legal proceedings for these offences.”
The owner of Town Hall Kiosk did accept the offer of a caution and improve standards to a legal threshold ahead of a statutory revisit, The Blackpool Lead understands.
Blackpool Council revisited Town Hall Kiosk earlier in November and found standards had improved to at least a sufficient level to avoid legal action. However, a new rating is not issued at that point.
The zero rating issued by the food safety officer is representative of the day of the inspection. Should a business wish to receive a new score, they can request a revisit from the food safety officer.
Businesses will not be told when a new inspection will take place - but they will typically happen within six months of the request being made.
Issues uncovered at Town Hall Kiosk in October included a large jug of mystery liquid in the fridge, dirt crusted on the food containers and dirty and greasy walls and floods in the food preparation area - especially around the equipment.
Damage was evident through the business, particularly the ceiling and surrounding area close to the food preparation area where the extractor fan exits.
All of the fryer, grill, plates, cutlery, food containers, taps, shelving, pipework, sink, doors and stairs were found to be either dirty or coated in grease.
The Blackpool Lead was unable to reach Town Hall Kiosk for a comment.