A convenience store in Southsea with "one of the worst mouse infestations" ever seen by Portsmouth’s environmental health team has been shut down.
As informed by Portsmouth City Council today (Feb 18), Premier Express Nice ‘n’ Fresh, on Victoria Road North, was served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition notice on Tuesday 10 February 2026, following a complaint from a member of the public to Portsmouth City Council.
A council officer visited the shop and found clear evidence of a widespread mouse infestation. Droppings were visible on shelves next to sweets and other food items.
Several packets of gnawed crisps and snacks were on sale, which is direct evidence of food contamination and a clear risk to people’s health.
The business was closed down immediately, and on Thursday 12 February a district judge granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court along with full costs.
This order prohibits Pinal and Mehul Ltd, the food business operator, from trading from the premises until the infestation is resolved.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport, said, “The environmental health officer who visited described this as one of the worst infestations they have ever seen in a retail business.
"Mice can spread diseases such as Salmonella and Campylobacter through their droppings and urine, so when they come into contact with open food or contaminate the outside of packets like in this case, there is an imminent risk of illness to people’s health.
“We want to work with businesses to resolve any issues before they get to this dangerous state and have to be closed, and thankfully the vast majority of the city’s traders operate good hygiene practices.”