The Monarch reopens following active mouse infestation with “extensive pest control” proceedures in place

The Monarch, in Palmerston Road, has reopened this afternoon (March 6) after being shut down by an Environmental Health Officer, following the discovery of a mouse infestation earlier this week.

The cocktail bar was issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on March 4, which prevents business from reopening until the infestation is eliminated, and hygiene standards have been improved.

A notice on the bar’s window previously said: “There is an active mouse infestation throughout the premises, droppings were found on food items and next to food equipment which is likely to result in actual contamination and therefore an imminent risk of injury to health.”

However, following a further visit from an Environmental Health Officer today, the business has now been reopened.

A spokesperson for The Monarch said: “We’re pleased to announce that the Environmental Health Officer who visited us on Wednesday, and opted to close us, has now revisited and reopened the business.

“During our time of closure, we have renovated and are implementing a more extensive pest control procedure. We have tackled all concerns pointed out to us and have a more accurate approach to tackling a constant issue Portsmouth business owners face.”

Over the past few weeks, there have been multiple reported cases of food and drink venues being closed down due to rodent infestations.

Cllr Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, said: “When officers find evidence of mice in a food business, we have to act fast because it puts people’s health at risk.

“No one wants to see a shop closed, and we always try to work with businesses to sort problems before it reaches that point, but the conditions here meant action was needed straight away.

“Most traders in our city run clean and safe premises, and we’ll continue to support them while stepping in firmly when standards fall this far short.”