B&M fined £2m over mouse infestations at three Birmingham stores

B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2 million after pleading guilty to serious food hygiene offences across three of its stores in Birmingham. The penalty, handed down at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 13 July, also includes £18,104 in prosecution costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

The prosecution followed inspections carried out between November 2024 and October 2025 after complaints led to officers visiting the sites. Environmental health officers discovered mouse infestations at St Andrew's Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre, and The Fort Shopping Park.

Inspectors found rodent-gnawed foodstuffs on sale and mouse droppings in close proximity to children's toys. At the Priory Square location, officers also discovered urine contamination on food packaging and shelving, alongside structural defects allowing pest entry.

The severity of the health risks prompted Birmingham City Council to issue Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notices. Both the Priory Square and The Fort Shopping Park locations were closed immediately, following the initial closure of the St Andrew's site.

For B&M, a £2 million fine and the immediate closure of multiple stores represent a direct financial hit and significant operational disruption. The penalty underscores the regulatory and reputational risks companies face when local management fails to maintain basic health standards.

"Residents rightly expect businesses operating in Birmingham to maintain high standards and provide safe environments for customers," said councillor Sam Forsyth, chair of the Licensing and Public Protection Committee. She noted that the conditions found across the three stores were "unacceptable and required immediate intervention to protect the public".

"This substantial court penalty reflects the seriousness of the offences and sends a clear message that businesses must take their responsibilities seriously," Forsyth added. The company was ordered to pay the fine and costs within 28 days.