Court backs emergency closure after Copnor inspection
A food outlet on Copnor Road has been compelled to remain closed after Portsmouth City Council environmental health officers uncovered what they described as an active mouse infestation and a series of serious hygiene lapses. Inspectors visited Shake & Burger, 42 Copnor Road, PO3 5AH, on 14 July 2026, and shut the premises immediately under emergency powers due to what was deemed an imminent public health risk.
Following the inspection, the council applied to the court for a formal order to keep the premises closed. Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court considered the case on 16 July 2026 and granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming there was a continuing danger to health and requiring the business to stay shut until the risks are eliminated to the court’s satisfaction.
What inspectors found
Environmental health officers reported widespread signs of rodent activity across kitchen areas, including mouse droppings near food preparation and storage points. The findings also covered a string of basic hygiene failures that, taken together, raised the likelihood of contamination.
- Evidence of an ongoing mouse problem throughout the kitchen, with droppings found near an ice cream machine, beside bottles of sauce, next to a chopping board, on clingfilm and around food containers.
- The ice cream machine had previously been taken out of use due to mouse activity, yet droppings were again found nearby.
- Absence of soap at the handwash basin, preventing proper hand hygiene by staff before handling food.
- No sanitiser spray available for cleaning work surfaces where food is prepared.
- Significant build-up of grease and food debris around the fryer area.
Because of these conditions, officers issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice at the time of the visit to stop trading straight away, later endorsed by the court’s order that extends the closure.
Council statement
“Food businesses have a legal responsibility to maintain high standards of food hygiene and protect their customers from harm. The conditions found at this premises presented a serious risk to public health and officers acted swiftly to ensure that risk was removed. “I’d like to thank our environmental health officers for their professionalism, expertise and prompt action in identifying these issues and taking the necessary enforcement action to protect residents and visitors.”
Those remarks came from Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, in support of the enforcement action taken by the council’s environmental health team.
Timeline of enforcement
| Date | Action | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 14 July 2026 | Unannounced inspection; emergency closure served due to imminent risk | Portsmouth City Council environmental health |
| 16 July 2026 | Court issues Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order to keep premises shut | Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court |
What this means for customers and businesses
The court’s order means the venue cannot reopen until the council is satisfied the infestation is eradicated and robust hygiene controls are in place, and the court agrees the hazard has been addressed. The legal framework allows swift intervention where the public could be harmed, with closure remaining in force until risks are demonstrably controlled.
For residents, this case is a reminder that basic standards—such as effective handwashing facilities, sanitising worktops and keeping equipment free from food debris—are minimum legal requirements. Visible signs of pests or poor cleanliness should be reported to the council’s environmental health team so they can investigate. Diners can also check a venue’s hygiene record via the national ratings scheme before choosing where to eat.
For the wider hospitality trade in Portsmouth, the findings underline the importance of reliable pest-proofing, systematic cleaning regimes and staff training. Where critical failings are found, the council has shown it will act quickly, and the court will back closures to protect public health.
