The owner of the coffee shop said he initially refused to pay a fine because he didn’t agree with what had happened
Richard Metcalfe, owner of Cortile Coffee Ltd(Image: Rob Browne/WalesOnline )
A Welsh coffee shop has been prosecuted and fined for failing to display a poor food hygiene rating. Richard Metcalfe, owner of Cortile Coffee Ltd in Pontypridd, told WalesOnline the sticker showing a rating of two was put in the window but it was mistakenly obscured by a menu board on the street.
In Wales customers have a legal right to know the food hygiene rating of their local café, restaurant, takeaway or business that sells food. Failing to display this information properly is illegal and will result in a £200 fine being issued.
During a routine food hygiene inspection carried out by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council environmental health officers the officers found that Mr Metcalfe failed to display the poor food hygiene rating, the local authority said.
A council statement published on Wednesday reads: “Officers advised Mr Metcalfe that it was a legal requirement that the rating sticker must be on display to the public at all times. A new rating sticker was then sent to the business but Cortile Coffee Ltd ignored the advice and once again failed to display the ratings.”
The council said it had no choice but to issue the fine of £200 but said Mr Metcalfe failed to pay it and the matter went to Merthyr Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Metcalfe didn’t attend the hearing. He told WalesOnline he didn’t attend court because he was waiting for surgery on his foot.
The matter was proved in his absence and Cortile Coffee Ltd was fined a total £1,016 – including the fine and costs – and Mr Metcalfe, as director of the company, was fined an additional £280.
Responding to the episode Mr Metcalfe said the initial food hygiene rating sticker was sent to the company’s office in Bridgend and not to the cafe, causing a delay. He said it was eventually displayed but at the time the officer visited it was obscured, mistakenly, by the menu board on the pavement.
He said he carried out all the remedial work required to retain his prevous five rating and he said he installed an extra hand washing sink but was not clear why wood chip walls would reduce his rating, which he said he had been told.
He said the cafe does not serve cooked food other than toast and paninis. It serves hot and cold drinks and sells coffee beans, chocolate powder and leaf tea. It also sells cakes and chocolates which are bought in.
“Everything they asked me to do I complied with,” he said, adding that he didn’t pay the inital fine because he said he did not agree that he had broken any rules.
“I am disappointed with the council and the justice system. It’s not affected our business though. Our customers like and trust us. We don’t cook high risk foods.”
Councillor Robert Harris, RCT cabinet member for communities, said: “In Wales, unlike in England, displaying the green and black hygiene rating sticker is a legal requirement.
“The food hygiene rating scheme is a vital tool for public health and provides customers with an immediate snapshot of the hygiene standards behind the kitchen doors.
“In turn the ratings allow residents and visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf to make an informed choice as to where they purchase their food.
“Our officers are keen to work with local businesses to maintain and improve food hygiene standards, the large majority of which clearly display their rating stickers. However, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that attempt to hide their ratings or mislead the public.
“This prosecution could have been avoided if the owner clearly displayed their valid rating sticker. They could have also paid the fixed penalty notice rather than having to face paying £1,296.”
The council said the case should act as a reminder to food businesses in Wales, including restaurants, takeaways, and mobile traders, that they must display their rating sticker at every entrance used by customers, ensure the sticker is in a prominent position and easily readable before the customer enters, and verbally inform customers of their rating if requested.
A council spokesperson said it will “always look to support” businesses before any action is taken and encouraged businesses to ask for help with re-ratings and advice.
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