AN USK publican has been fined for selling food unsafe for consumption and failing to ensure food premises and equipment were kept clean.

Stephen Musto, of the Kings Head Hotel, Old Market Street, admitted three counts of failing to comply with food hygiene regulations at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Monmouthshire council took legal action after a routine food hygiene inspection in January, which found poor cleanliness and structural conditions. Out of date food and poor smelling meat were found.

A further inspection five days later found further deterioration there.

The hotel was closed voluntarily but has now reopened after Musto, who is 56, worked with the council’s environmental health officers to improve standards.

Musto was ordered to pay costs and was fined £3,915.

Monmouthshire council’s leader 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.”

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