B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2 million by Birmingham City Council after environmental health inspectors discovered severe mouse infestations, droppings, and gnawed food products at three of its Birmingham stores. The offences occurred at the St Andrews Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre, and The Fort Shopping Park locations, all of which were shut down immediately following failed hygiene inspections.
Inspections and Findings
Between November 2024 and October 2025, the council's environmental health service investigated complaints about pest activity at the three stores. At the St Andrews Retail Park store, inspectors visited on November 11, 2024, after 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 Shopping Centre store, a member of the public reported seeing a mouse in the shop. During an inspection on January 22, 2025, officers found evidence of an active mouse infestation, including gnawed food, droppings, and urine contamination on packaging and shelving, along with inadequate cleaning and structural defects allowing pest entry. The store was closed immediately with another prohibition notice.
Similarly, at The Fort Shopping Park store, an inspection on October 27, 2025, following a complaint, revealed widespread mouse activity throughout the premises. Droppings and gnawed food were found on the shop floor and in storage areas, with droppings also near children's toys on display. The store was formally closed using a third Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
Court Case and Fine
B&M Retail Ltd pleaded guilty to the offences at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on July 13, 2026. The company was ordered to pay a £2 million fine, prosecution costs of £18,104, and a victim surcharge of £2,000, all payable within 28 days.
Council Response
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: "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 about food hygiene, health and safety, and public health risks. Residents can report food hygiene concerns via the council's website.
