A FORMER Wiltshire pub operator has been banned from running any food business after a string of serious hygiene failures that put public health at risk.

Peter Martin appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 17) when he admitted 12 food hygiene offences.

Ten of those charges related to placing unsafe food on the market.

The court imposed a Prohibition Order – the strongest sanction available – preventing him from managing any food business anywhere in the country.

Martin, formerly responsible for The Hook and Glove in Farley, was also fined £807 and ordered to pay a £348 surcharge and £1,150 in costs, bringing the total to £2,368.

The prosecution followed repeated inspections by Wiltshire Council’s Food and Safety team across 2024 and 2025, which uncovered a catalogue of concerns.

Officers found out-of-date and mouldy food, unsafe storage temperatures, dirty preparation areas and poor personal hygiene.

(Picture: Wiltshire Council)

At one stage, evidence of a rat infestation was discovered in the kitchen while food was being prepared, prompting an immediate temporary closure.

Despite being issued with a Hygiene Improvement Notice in 2025, Martin failed to make the required changes, leading to legal action.

The pub is now under new management and no longer connected to Martin.

Cabinet member for public protection Paul Sample 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 says it carries out thousands of inspections each year to protect residents, working alongside the Food Standards Agency to ensure unsafe food never reaches the public.