A major B&M store in Birmingham has recently been ordered to close its doors due to a significant infestation of mice within the premises. The shop, located at the St. Andrew’s Shopping Park in Small Heath, faced inspection by a council officer following reports of rodent droppings on the shelves. The environmental health officer discovered evidence of rodent presence throughout the warehouse and sales floor, particularly concentrated around the chocolate aisles. As a result, B&M voluntarily shut down the store for extensive cleaning on Tuesday, November 12. The closure was mandated by the Birmingham Magistrates’ Court until all necessary actions are taken to resolve the issues.
During the court proceedings, the magistrate expressed strong disapproval of the store’s condition, labelling it as ‘hideous’ and a ‘disgrace’. The chair of the bench commented on the disturbing findings, stating that the public should not come anywhere near the store due to the health hazards it poses. The court’s decision to issue a hygiene emergency prohibition order was based on the lack of corrective measures taken by the store despite being notified of the pest control issues earlier in the month. The magistrate emphasised the unacceptable state of the premises and the urgent need for a resolution to ensure public safety.
Kizzy Bent, an environmental health officer at Birmingham City Council, provided insights into the inspection process during the court session. She highlighted that the assessment was triggered by a customer’s complaint about droppings observed in the store. Ms Bent detailed her findings, which included mouse faeces in the chocolate aisle and other areas, leading to an immediate order to cease food sales. While some remedial actions had been taken by the store management, Ms Bent noted that further pest proofing measures were still pending completion before reopening the store to the public.
Sal Smith, B&M’s director of health and safety, addressed the court to emphasise the company’s commitment to addressing the issue promptly and comprehensively. He assured the court that the necessary steps were being taken to rectify the situation, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter and expressing regret for the conditions that led to the store’s closure. Despite the legal repercussions faced by the company, Smith highlighted B&M’s overall positive health and safety record, underscoring this incident as an exception rather than a reflection of their standard practices.
In response to the closure order, B&M initiated measures to address the mice infestation and improve hygiene standards within the store. The company’s prompt actions following the inspection aimed to mitigate the health risks associated with the pest infestation and ensure a safe environment for both customers and staff. While the closure of the Birmingham store may have caused inconvenience to shoppers, it underscores the critical importance of maintaining stringent health and safety standards in retail establishments. Going forward, B&M is committed to rectifying the situation promptly and upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all its stores to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.