AN Usk landlord has been fined nearly £4,000 after pleading guilty to three offences including supplying food that was ‘unsafe.’

Stephen Musto of The Kings Head Hotel, Old Market Street pleaded guilty to three offences at a hearing at Newport Magistrates Court on 22nd April. Offences included supplying food that was unsafe for consumption as well as failing to ensure food premises and equipment were kept clean to minimise any risk of contamination.

Musto was fined a total of £3,970 including full costs.

The presiding magistrate said the premises were the worst kitchen he’d encountered during his 10 years on the bench.  Legal action was taken after a routine food hygiene inspection in January noted poor cleanliness, poor structural conditions and out of date food, including meat emitting a foul odour.  An inspection five days later revealed further deterioration.  The premises were closed voluntarily but have since reopened with the council’s environmental health officers working with Mr Musto to improve standards.

Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Peter Fox said: “The Environmental Health department will always work with food businesses to maintain standards and protect public health. However, we will not hesitate to use our statutory powers when conditions are found to be poor and businesses have not responded to our advice.”