A North Cardiff restaurant has been hit with fines and costs totalling £16,000 after inspectors discovered an active mice infestation and multiple food hygiene violations.
Lake Spice Curry House, on Lake Road West in Cyncoed, and its owner, Mamun Miah, faced prosecution for failing to control the infestation and maintain proper hygiene standards.
The issues came to light during an inspection by Food Hygiene Inspectors from Shared Regulatory Services on 21 September 2023.
Inspectors found the storage facilities were infested with mice, and the restaurant's layout, design, construction, siting, and size were inadequate for maintaining good hygiene practices.
Additionally, the premises were not clean or well-maintained.
Mr Miah pleaded guilty to all charges at Cardiff Magistrates Court on 19 March 2025.
His lawyer argued in mitigation that there was no contamination in the food or food preparation areas, only in the storage areas, and that efforts were made to limit pest activity, but these fell short of requirements.
Cardiff Council cabinet member Norma Mackie said: "The extent of pests at this business was considerable, and the efforts taken by the defendant to deal with the problem were limited. Much more should have and could have been done to remedy the failures."
The judge noted that profit was being prioritized over safety, which could have had serious implications for customers' health. He warned that if Mr Miah is summoned before the court again for similar offences, an immediate prison sentence would be appropriate.
Lakeside Restaurant Limited was fined £10,000, ordered to pay £877 in costs, and a £2,000 Victim Surcharge. Mamun Miah was fined £2,000, ordered to pay £877 in costs, with a £500 Victim Surcharge.