Surprise inspection leads to good news for Swansea’s Venus de Milo as joint statement released with Board of Health

Venus de Milo and the Swansea Board of Health have released a joint statement, putting the issues between the two in the rear-view mirror.

Owner Monte Ferris issued the following:

“The Venus de Milo supports our Board of Health and its Health Director. Their burden is heavy, the work is not easy, and the mandate they have is extremely important, which we have always and always will recognize. We have enjoyed a long, successful, and healthy relationship with the Board of Health for almost 70 years and are happy all parties have been satisfied after conducting a full and thorough dialogue on the facts. We look forward to continuing a highly collaborative relationship with them to bring high-quality food with the highest level of food safety possible to our beloved clientele and community at large.”

Swansea Health Director Jonathan Abreu states:

“The Board of Health and Health Director supports the Venus de Milo. We have conducted a full review of the information previously presented. This review concluded with an unannounced inspection on Sunday accompanied by a State Inspector during live service for a ticketed event. The establishment was clean, kitchen staff was following proper protocols and cooking procedures, and servers were actively working taking care of guests. From what was observed during the inspection, there are no concerns from the Board of Health. As Health Director, I will continue to monitor with routine inspections as I do for all food establishments in town to ensure state and local regulations are followed. The Board of Health and I look forward to a collaborative relationship and have confidence the Venus de Milo will continue to prioritize quality and safety. The Board of Health has an unwavering commitment to protecting the public and takes all food-safety issues, complaints, and otherwise very seriously, and will always investigate to ensure our community can enjoy peace of mind and continued faith in our office.”

According to court records, late last month, attorneys for Venus de Milo owner Monte Ferris Jr. voluntarily dismissed the civil lawsuit filed against the town. That same day, the Swansea Board of Health rescinded its recent food license suspension and cease-and-desist order, allowing the popular venue at 75 G.A.R. Highway (Route 6) to continue operating without interruption.

The conflict had escalated in recent weeks after the Board of Health accused Venus de Milo of failing to submit required weekly cleaning logs, pest control reports, and other documentation along with alleged food safety issues.

The Board had previously suspended the food permit and issued a cease-and-desist that threatened to shut down upcoming events, including several high school proms.

A Bristol County Superior Court judge had granted a temporary restraining order, keeping the doors open while the case played out.