A café in Birmingham has been ordered to close after environmental health officers found evidence of mice, rats and cockroach infestations during a routine inspection. Officials from Birmingham City Council visited Habibis Café on Walford Road on September 23 and discovered multiple pest issues alongside concerns about inadequate cleaning and food safety risks.
Following the inspection, Birmingham Magistrates Court granted an emergency hygiene prohibition order on October 1, leading to the establishment’s temporary closure due to an imminent risk to public health. Officers issued a hygiene emergency prohibition notice to the operator, Habibis Corner Ltd, accompanied by a schedule of works detailing the improvements required to rectify the problems.
When officers re-inspected the premises on September 25, the prescribed corrective actions had not been completed.
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On the same day the court granted the order for Habibis Café, magistrates also ratified emergency hygiene prohibition orders against two other local eateries that had faced similar issues but were subsequently allowed to reopen after addressing the concerns.
Nilaani Restaurant in Hall Green was found to have widespread rat activity and food safety risks during an inspection on September 23. A notice was served, but after appropriate remedial work was completed by the next day, the restaurant reopened.
Similarly, Chicken Very Nice in Sparkbrook was temporarily closed after mouse droppings and cleaning shortfalls were detected. Following a schedule of required works and a revisit by officers on September 30 confirming the issues had been addressed, the venue was permitted to reopen.
These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by Birmingham City Council to ensure public health and food safety standards are maintained across the city’s food establishments.