The offences, which related to stores at St Andrews Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre and The Fort Shopping Park, were investigated by the council's Environmental Health Service following complaints and inspections between November 2024 and October 2025.
At St Andrews Retail Park, Environmental Health Officers visited the premises on 11 November 2024 following reports of pests on the premises. Officers found significant evidence of mouse activity, including mouse droppings and gnawed food products on sale. Due to the serious risk to public health, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served.
At the Priory Square Shopping Centre store, officers carried out an inspection on 22 January 2025 after receiving a complaint from a member of the public who reported seeing a mouse in the shop. During the visit, officers found evidence of an active mouse infestation, including gnawed food products, mouse droppings and urine contamination on food packaging and shelving, inadequate cleaning standards and structural defects allowing pest entry. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served and the store was closed immediately.
A further inspection took place at B&M's store at The Fort Shopping Park on 27 October 2025 following a complaint alleging a mouse infestation. Officers found widespread evidence of mouse activity throughout the premises, including mouse droppings and gnawed food products on the shop floor and within storage areas. Mouse droppings were also found in proximity to children's toys on display. Owing to the risks posed to public health, the premises was formally closed using another Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
B&M Retail Ltd pleaded guilty to the offences at Birmingham Magistrates' Court. At a sentencing hearing on 13 July 2026, the company was ordered to pay:
Councillor Sam Forsyth, Chair of the Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: "Residents rightly expect businesses operating in Birmingham to maintain high standards and provide safe environments for customers. The health and wellbeing of Birmingham residents will always come first, and the conditions identified by our Environmental Health officers across these stores were unacceptable and required immediate intervention to protect the public.
“I welcome the work of our Environmental Health teams in identifying these risks and taking swift action. This substantial court penalty reflects the seriousness of the offences and sends a clear message that businesses must take their responsibilities seriously. Birmingham City Council will continue to take robust enforcement action where necessary to protect residents and ensure standards are upheld across the city."
Birmingham City Council's Environmental Health Service investigates complaints relating to food hygiene, health and safety and public health risks across the city.
Residents can report food hygiene concerns via the council's website.
Notes:
