The operator of a Starbucks in Belfast has been fined following a report of a rat in the cafe.
A member of the public reported seeing a rodent inside the Great Victoria Street premises in October 2017.
The coffee shop's operators pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to protect food from contamination "stemming from rodent activity" after an investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council said: "The operator of a coffee chain has been fined a total of £4,000 at Belfast Magistrates Court today in relation to food hygiene offences.
"Ritcin Limited, operators of Starbucks on Great Victoria Street in Belfast, pleaded guilty to two food hygiene offences dating back to 2017, namely, failure to protect food from contamination stemming from rodent activity which was likely to render it unfit for human consumption; and failure to put in place adequate procedures to control pests.
"The prosecution was taken by Belfast City Council following an anonymous complaint from a member of the public who reported seeing a rodent inside the café in October 2017.
"The company, which closed its premises to address the issues, reopened after a short period when environmental health officers from Belfast City Council were satisfied the risk to public health was removed. Belfast City Council were also awarded costs of £3,500."
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