B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2m after environmental health inspectors found widespread mouse infestations in three Birmingham stores. The company pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on July 13 and was ordered to pay the fine, £18,104 in prosecution costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Inspections reveal severe infestations
Birmingham City Council's environmental health service investigated the stores at St Andrews Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre, and The Fort Shopping Park between November 2024 and October 2025 after receiving complaints about pests. At St Andrews Retail Park, inspectors visited on November 11, 2024, following reports of pests. They found significant evidence of mouse activity, including droppings and gnawed food products on sale. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served due to the serious risk to public health.
At the Priory Square store, a customer reported seeing a mouse. Officers visited on January 22, 2025, and found an active mouse infestation with gnawed food, droppings, urine contamination on packaging and shelving, inadequate cleaning, and structural defects allowing pest entry. The store was closed immediately after another Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
Third store and court outcome
An inspection at The Fort Shopping Park on October 27, 2025, followed a complaint alleging a mouse infestation. Officers found widespread evidence of mouse activity throughout the premises, including droppings and gnawed food in storage areas and on the shop floor. Mouse droppings were also found near children's toys. The store was closed using a third Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
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." He added: "This substantial court penalty reflects the seriousness of the offences and sends a clear message that businesses must take their responsibilities seriously."
