AN upmarket wedding and events business is being prosecuted for having an alleged mouse infestation and a filthy kitchen.

Bolton Council is taking Bolton Excellency Ltd and its director Taymure Khan to court over the state of the premises.

The case has been listed at Bolton Magistrates’ Court where allegations include claims that food contaminated by mice was being sold and the venue had not taken adequate action to eliminate a rodent infestation.

The Carlton Street business and its proprietor 48-year-old Khan, of Kinloch Drive, Heaton, are being prosecuted under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

It is said that sacks of onions, rice, flour, sugar, salt, semolina and milk powder were contaminated by the mice and there was a gap under the fire door and an open drain in the main kitchen which allowed the rodents to get in.

In addition, the council claims that shelves, floor coverings, cupboards, baskets and containers used to store food and spices, a food preparation machine, cutlery and crockery were in a dirty condition.

The prosecution arises out of an environmental health inspection carried out in March last year but the case, which was listed to be heard in court on Monday was adjourned until June 13.

Capable of holding 1,800 guests, The Excellency was opened five years ago, with the former bus garage transformed into a wedding and events venue.

The building features 80 tonnes of imported marble and huge crystal chandeliers and is a popular location for large Asian weddings, conferences, awards evenings and events such as Brawl in the Hall, a charity white collar boxing event which took place at The Excellency last month.

Excellency owner Mohammad Jaberansari said they plan to defend themselves against the charges.

“Since that time we have made changes and no longer have external caterers,” he said.

“Our kitchen is open to any of our guests to inspect during live cooking.”