Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court has granted an Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) on The Royal Oak Hotel, Lampeter, prohibiting the use of the bar and cellar areas.
The Order confirms emergency action already taken by Ceredigion County Council to protect public health.
The Council’s Public Protection team initiated its investigation after receiving a complaint from a member of the public reporting cockroaches. An unannounced inspection on 08 September 2025 found widespread cockroach activity within the bar, including live and dead insects on monitoring boards and a live adult cockroach was observed. Evidence of cockroaches was also noted in the cellar. By agreement with the food business, the bar and cellar were voluntarily closed at the conclusion of that visit. No cockroach activity was identified in the separate kitchen/café areas.
On 09 September, an independent pest control contractor confirmed a heavy German cockroach infestation behind the main bar. In line with legislation and Council policy, the Council served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) the same day to prohibit use of the bar and cellar until the health risk conditions were satisfied. A follow‑up assessment on 16 September found continuing cockroach activity in the bar/cellar, while the kitchen/café remained unaffected.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “We welcome the court’s decision. Where officers find an imminent risk to health, we act without delay. This Order ensures the affected areas remain closed until the infestation is fully eradicated and we are satisfied that the risk to the public has been removed. We continue to work with the business and its pest control contractor to support a safe, compliant opening as soon as possible.”
Why this matters for public health?
- Cockroaches can contaminate food and surfaces via droppings, saliva and shed skins, and spread bacteria — including Salmonella and E.coli — that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
- They move between drains/sewers and food areas, increasing the likelihood of transferring harmful organisms into food‑handling environments.
- Cockroach allergens (from body parts, faces and secretions) can become airborne and trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory symptoms, particularly in vulnerable people.
What the Order means
The Emergency Prohibition Order legally confirms the prohibition on using the bar and cellar at The Royal Oak Hotel until the Council issues a certificate stating the health risk condition is no longer fulfilled. The separate kitchen/café areas were not found to be affected.
Advice to food businesses
All food businesses must maintain effective pest prevention, monitoring and rapid professional treatment where activity is suspected. Where there is a significant and immediate risk to health, the Council may serve an HEPN and apply to the Magistrates’ Court for an EPO within three working days, in line with legislation and the Council’s Food Law Enforcement Policy.
Reporting concerns
This investigation has demonstrated the value of people in the community reporting such issues. Members of the public can report suspected food safety or hygiene concerns to [email protected] or call 01545 570881.
