'Unsafe and unhygienic' Copnor Takeaway shut after mouse infestation poses 'serious risk' to public health
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Several takeaways have recently been closed due to rodent plaguing them
A popular takeaway in the north of Portsmouth has been closed due to a mouse infestation.
Copnor Takeaway in 147 Copnor Road has been ordered to shut down by the council. Portsmouth City Council's environmental health team carried out a routine inspection on July 20 when they discovered the site was plagued by rodents.
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The food storeroom at the back of the kitchen was found to be full of mice. Droppings were found next to open food in boxes of onions, and on food storage shelves next to tins and sacks of rice.
Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, said: “This swift result shows that we will take the strongest possible action to stop businesses operating in unsafe and unhygienic ways.
"The conditions found at Copnor Takeaway posed are very serious risk to people's health, and it will remain closed until the business meets the correct hygiene standards that all food and drink sellers a required to show."
The structure of the premises was found to be poor, with a large gap under the rear door allowing for rodents to enter the building. Glue boards were found in the storeroom, which indicated that the owners knew about the decision. There were also issues with cleanliness, with dirty chopping boards discovered.
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Copnor Takeaway was immediately closed at the time of the inspection under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice. Portsmouth Magistrate's Court agreed with the council's actions and on 22 July signed a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order. The business will be closed until the health risk has been removed.
This follows Shake & Burger in Copnor Road being shut after an active mouse infestation was found in the kitchen. Environmental officers entered the building on July 14, with mouse droppings being found in a number of food preparation and storage areas, including around an ice cream machine, alongside bottles of sauce, next to a chopping board, on clingfilm and around food storage containers.
As reported in March 2026, more than 80 venues were issued temporary closure orders over the past five years.