Inspectors witnessed a 'huge rat scurrying up and down stairs' during a visit to Beilul Lounge, a restaurant at 100 Wilmslow Road in Manchester, during a 'random check' on March 20 by council officers and Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The kitchen was discovered in a 'filthy state'.
Details of the Inspection
An application by GMP to review the venue's premises licence has been published on Manchester council's website ahead of a licensing meeting on July 27. The report stated: 'The premises is situated up a flight of stairs, as soon as officers walked in three unknown females were seen to flee out of the back door.'
'There were two customers at the bar, pouring from a bottle of Black Label, essentially serving themselves. GMP officers found a female upstairs seemingly asleep under a blanket.' The other two customers denied any involvement with the restaurant. At this time, there was seemingly no staff present at the restaurant.
Filthy Conditions and Rat Sighting
The condition of the establishment raised serious alarm bells for inspectors. The report continued: '[Council officers] contacted the manager who started to make his way back. While officers waited and had a look around, the kitchen in the back was in a filthy state, the rear stairs were blocked by a set of ladders and a garbage bag that had burst open.' 'There was also a huge rat scurrying up and down the stairs.'
Second Inspection Reveals Further Issues
GMP and council officials conducted a second inspection on March 30 and discovered additional issues. The council report noted: 'No employment records - manager showed photocopies of three staff members' IDs. There was no other information held for them at all. No record of them signing an employee contract, no record of them paying National Insurance.' 'Manager stated that they are paid by his accountant but could not provide any details of how this happens. Our belief is that current employees are paid cash in hand.' 'No DPS [designated premises supervisor] on premises - according to the manager, the DPS hasn't been on site for the past three weeks and is on holiday abroad for another two to three weeks.' 'DPS apparently resides in Leeds. Manager was strongly advised that a new DPS who can be 'hands on' and manage the premises needs to be nominated.'
Fire Safety Issues and Missed Meeting
Council documents revealed that during a subsequent inspection on April 29, it was discovered the manager 'did have adequate employee records', though other concerns persisted. The report went on: 'A safety officer from GMFRS [Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service] attended on the 29th, he highlighted several fire safety issues with the fire alarm not working, and issues with potential fire exists.' A meeting was scheduled for April 30 with GMP and a 'new' designated premises supervisor. The report noted: 'However, during the afternoon of this day [April 30th], we got a last minute text from [name redacted] saying that the DPS couldn't meet today.'
Licence Review Sought
Council documents reveal that GMP is seeking 'the revocation' of the premises licence for Beilul Lounge at the council meeting on July 27, citing public safety and crime and disorder prevention as reasons. The current licence holder was identified in the council report as Mehari Kesete. Beilul Lounge was approached for a comment.
