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These are nine businesses in Portsmouth which have had to temporarily shut this year because of mice infestations.
An investigation earlier this year by The News revealed that the number of mice infestations requiring council environmental health intervention has shot up in recent years, from just seven in 2020 and 2021 combined to 23 in 2025 alone.
A pest controller told us in March that “the city is full of mice” but that in many cases, infestations were not due to poor hygiene - he said he had clients whose premises were “very very clean” but that sometimes rodent invasion was “inevitable” in a densely-packed city.
Portsmouth councillor Lee Hunt has previously said: “It is very important that the public have confidence around eating out and purchasing foods. Here at Portsmouth City Council our Environmental Health and Trading Standards teams and others work cross-services to educate and enforce safety and standards.
“It is tempting for businesses to cut corners in the face of a harsh trading environment. My advice is keep standards up and thrive. Our council teams are working hard to improve the number of inspections and won’t hesitate to shut premises where public health is at risk.”
These are the business that have been closed so far in 2026.
1. Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh, Southsea
Nice 'n' Fresh, Southsea, was shut down on February 10 after environmental health officers discovered one of the "worst infestations" of mice they had ever seen. | PCC
2. Kens Fried Chicken, Commercial Road
Kens Fried Chicken was temporarily closed while it underwent a refurbishment after being issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on February 18 | The News
3. The Monarch, Southsea
The Monarch, in Palmerston Road, Southsea, was shut on March 4 after an environmental health officer discovered an "active mouse infestation", with droppings found on food. After pest control work it reopened two days later | The News
4. Spice Box in Winter Road, Southsea
Spice Box in Winter Road, Southsea, was closed on May 22 via court order following a mice infestation. Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court were told that mouse droppings were found near a stack of onions, as well as close to other food in the kitchen. Due to ongoing construction work, there were holes in the walls of the staff room and other areas, which city council environmental health inspectors said were being used as access points by the mice. | David George