Venus de Milo update: Swansea restaurant and banquet hall avoids closure as health board dispute ends, for now

The clash between a local restaurant and banquet hall and the Swansea Board of Health appears to have reached a resolution.

According to court records, on Thursday, 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 That same day, the Swansea Board of Health rescinded its recent food license suspension and cease-and-desist order, allowing the popular venue at 75 G.A.R. Highway (Route 6) to continue operating without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 last week, keeping the doors open while the case played out. With the lawsuit now dropped and the Board’s orders rescinded, the immediate threat to the venue has been lifted.

Venus de Milo has been a local landmark for decades known for weddings, banquets, and events, and recently underwent major renovations.

According to WJAR 10, Attleboro and New Bedford High School proms have been relocated to another venue despite the resolution.

Venus shared on their social media that they recently allowed the use of their lobby for prom photos.