Wiltshire Council has secured a court order banning a former pub boss from managing food businesses following a string of serious hygiene breaches.
Peter Martin, who was responsible for The Hook and Glove in Farley, near Salisbury, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday 17 March.
He pleaded guilty to 12 food hygiene offences, including ten counts of placing unsafe food on the market.
The offences followed repeated inspections by Wiltshire Council’s Food and Safety team during 2024 and 2025. Officers found widespread failings and significant breaches of food safety law.
Problems identified during visits included out-of-date and mouldy food, items stored at unsafe temperatures and dirty kitchen areas and equipment.
Officers also found poor personal hygiene and evidence of a rat infestation in the kitchen while food was being prepared, which led to an immediate temporary closure.
In 2025, Martin failed to comply with a legally served Hygiene Improvement Notice. The continued non-compliance led to prosecution.
Salisbury Magistrates Court imposed a Prohibition Order, preventing Martin from managing any food business anywhere in the country indefinitely.
The order is the most serious sanction available for repeated and dangerous food hygiene breaches.
He was also fined £807 and ordered to pay a £348 surcharge and £1,150 in costs. The total financial penalty amounts to £2,368.
The premises are now under new management and operated by new food business owners who have no connection to Martin.
Councillor Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The court’s decision to impose a Prohibition Order is a clear and decisive outcome.
“It means Martin is now legally barred from managing any food business – an essential step to protect the public.
“This case demonstrates that when food operators repeatedly disregard basic hygiene standards and put customers at risk, we will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action.
“I want to thank our Food and Safety officers for their persistence and professionalism in ensuring this outcome.”
Wiltshire Council carries out thousands of routine and unannounced food safety inspections each year. Its Public Protection Service also promotes safe food practices through advice, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and enforcement action where required.
Officers are empowered under the Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene Regulations to inspect premises, seize unsafe food and take legal action where public health is at risk.
The council works with the Food Standards Agency and monitors national alerts to prevent unsafe products reaching consumers.
Concerns about food crime can be reported in confidence to the Food Standards Agency at www.food.gov.uk or by calling 0800 028 1180.
