A pub owner has been banned from running food businesses after food safety inspectors repeatedly found filthy conditions, high-risk food left out overnight, mouldy and out-of-date food in the fridges, and a long-standing mouse infestation.
They also reported a potential fire hazard at the South Staffordshire premises due to a build-up of grease in ventilation systems.
Owner of The Navigation pub in Greensforge, Daryosh Rossookh, of Hunter’s Ride in Stourbridge, appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court earlier this week, where he pleaded guilty to nine offences contrary to Food Hygiene Regulations and five offences contrary to Health and Safety legislation.
South Staffordshire Council food safety officers carried out numerous visits to the pub near Kingswinford, where they reported the incorrect usage of coloured cutting boards contrary to the pub’s own system – presenting a cross-contamination risk.
Rodent droppings were also found in the bar and a putrefied mouse was discovered on a shelf behind the beer pulls. No action had been taken to deal with a long-standing rodent issue at the premises, nor suitable cleaning undertaken of these areas.
Conditions in the cellar were also said to be dangerous, with the cellar steps obstructed with stock and carbon dioxide cylinders unrestrained. Cellar walls, ceiling and fans were blackened with a build-up of mould, with no maintenance procedures in place.
No personal protective equipment had been provided to staff for the purpose of beer line cleaning, which involves the use of a corrosive substance. The exception to this was a pair of mould-speckled eye goggles in the cellar.
South Staffordshire Council officers visited the premises numerous times between 2016 and 2022 – serving a total of three Hygiene Improvement Notices and providing substantial advice, guidance and support. But any improvements made following these inspections were short lived.
As a result of a final inspection in May 2023, the council’s officers made an application for a Prohibition Order – with a view to preventing 64-year-old Rossookh from ever again running a food business.
At Rossookh’s appearance on Tuesday, June 6, Cannock Magistrates stated that some recent improvements had been made but felt that these were far too little too late and that repeated visits had been made by the officers to try to assist him in getting the business up to standard. The magistrates considered there had been a disregard for the advice from the officers, the safety of his staff and customers.
Magistrates upheld the Prohibition Order application, as well as ordering Rossookh to pay fines and costs totalling £7,899.
Councillor Rita Heseltine, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “Officers have worked with Mr Rossookh for a number of years, educating and advising on food hygiene matters - but despite this, there was no real or sustained improvement, reflecting his blatant disregard for food-related health risks.
“Where public health is at risk, we will always take appropriate legal action.
“It was a difficult decision to apply for an order prohibiting Mr Rossookh from running a food business in the future. Our officers do all they can to support local businesses, but the safety of our residents is paramount.
“We will not allow our residents to be put at risk and therefore are very pleased with the outcome decided by the court and the strong message this sends.”
A breakdown of the costs and fines Rossookh was made to pay is as follows:
- £1,000 for the food hygiene offences - reduced to £666 for early guilty plea – plus £67 victim surcharge.
- £1,000 for the health and safety offences - reduced to £666 for early guilty plea.
- £6,500 contribution towards legal and investigations costs.