Inspectors discovered a 'huge rat scurrying up and down stairs' and a kitchen in a 'filthy state' during a random check at Beilul Lounge, a restaurant at 100 Wilmslow Road in Manchester, on March 20. The visit, conducted by council officers and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), revealed multiple breaches of hygiene and safety regulations.
Initial inspection findings
According to a council report published ahead of a licensing meeting on July 27, officers observed three unknown females fleeing out the back door upon entry. Two customers were 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, and no staff were present at the time.
The kitchen was described as 'in a filthy state,' with the rear stairs blocked by a set of ladders and a garbage bag that had burst open. A huge rat was seen scurrying up and down the stairs.
Follow-up visits reveal further issues
A second visit on March 30 found no employment records; the manager showed only photocopies of three staff members' IDs, with no information on contracts or National Insurance payments. The manager stated staff were paid by his accountant but could not provide details, leading inspectors to believe employees were paid cash in hand. The designated premises supervisor (DPS) had not been on site for three weeks and was on holiday abroad. The manager was advised to nominate a new 'hands-on' DPS.
On April 29, a safety officer from Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service found several fire safety issues, including a non-working fire alarm and problems with potential fire exits. While the manager had adequate employee records by then, other concerns remained.
Failed meeting and licence review
A meeting scheduled for April 30 with GMP and a new DPS was cancelled at the last minute via text message, with the DPS unable to attend. GMP is now seeking revocation of the premises licence at the July 27 council meeting, citing grounds of public safety and prevention of crime and disorder.
The current licence holder is Mehari Kesete. Beilul Lounge was contacted for comment but did not respond.
