The Monarch closed down after inspection reveals "mouse infestation" with faeces found on food
A popular cocktail bar in Southsea has been closed following the discovery of a mouse infestation, with droppings found on food.
The Monarch, in Palmerston Road, has been closed down by an environmental health officer on March 4 following evidence of an “active mouse infestation”.
The inspection revealed there was an “imminent risk of injury to health” after faeces was spotted on, and near, food items.
As a result, the cocktail bar and restaurant was issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, preventing the business from reopening until the infestation is eliminated, and hygiene standards have been improved.
The notice says: “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.”
This temporary closure comes in the wake of a series of mouse infestations at various food and drink businesses across the city, with Yuan Siu and Kens Fried Chicken both being handed a prohibition notice in recent weeks.
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.”