Mouse Infestation Fines for Shuttered Newsagents

On May 1st, a Birmingham City Center news agency called NewsPoint got hit with fines after inspectors found a nasty mouse problem back in October, 17th, 2024.

The shop, which shut down last July 8th when its lease ran out, pleaded guilty to three food safety violations, including letting pests contaminate, everything from drinks to snacks on the shelves.

Health officers spotted droppings all over under counters, behind sweets, even nod bits of food right on the floor.

The place also lacked a proper sink, and shells were caked in dust, breaking hygiene rules that demand clean spaces and pest control.

Prosecutors called it a serious health risk to customers grabbing quick bites while the defense painted it as a struggling small business selling.

Only seal packages, not fresh stuff.

They blamed mice coming from a shared loading bay the landlord controlled, saying it was a rare slip-up during tough lease talks.

No prior complaints in 20 years they argued, and the no sink issue had flown under the radar forever, but magistrates weren't buying it fully.

In the end, the court slapped NewsPoint with a 1,000 pound fine plus a 1,400 pound surcharge and 1,600 pounds in costs.

Tough hit for a shop already gone, underscoring how even old spots can't skip basic safety.