EXCLUSIVE: Mice infestation at Department for Business shuts canteen for nine days

CLOSED: Mice in the kitchen caused the canteen to close (stock image)

STAFF at the Government's Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy were left without food after the canteen had to be closed due to an infestation of mice.

Westminster Council served an immediate prohibition notice on the restaurant in the offices in Westminster, London, in the interests of hygiene, shutting the canteen for nine days.

A BEIS spokeswoman said: "We closed the catering facilities following issues with mice which also affected many other premises nearby as a result of building demolition work.

VERMIN: The Department for Business confirmed it had an infestation of mice

“Our caterers took swift remedial action and, following a further inspection from Westminster Council, the catering facilities were re-opened.”

The canteen was closed from July 2 to July 11, but details emerged when the case went to Westminster Magistrates Court to see if the council had acted reasonably, which the court said it had.

Aramark, which runs the canteen, could face prosecution, but the council has yet to reach a decision.

Aramark declined to comment.