the essential
The Santa Maria Pub, located in Montauban and managed by former international rugby player Sergueï Sergueev, was forced to immediately suspend its catering activity before the end-of-year holidays by prefectural decree, due to serious breaches of standards sanitary facilities. The prefecture requires corrective measures before any reopening, while the manager is exposed to sanctions in the event of non-compliance.
The kitchens of the Santa Maria pub, an emblematic establishment located in Square Léon-Bourjade, Montaubanwere forced to suspend their catering activities before the end-of-year holidays. A decision taken by prefectural decree, following serious failings noted by the health authorities, we learned from a judicial source.
Taken over 20 years ago by the former international rugby player Sergei Sergeevthis bar-restaurant, managed by the Serguimat company, is once again caught up in administrative failures.
A recent inspection, carried out by an inspector from the company Apave on behalf of the Departmental Directorate of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and Population Protection (DDETSPP) of Tarn-et-Garonne, highlighted a series of violations of health standards.
Alarming offenses
Signed on December 20 by Edwige Darracqgeneral secretary of the prefecture, the decree lists malfunctions considered to be “a serious risk for the health of consumers”.
Among them: a lack of pest control, a lack of maintenance of equipment, poor management of perishable foods and non-existent traceability of food products. “There is an urgent need for measures to be taken to preserve public health,” insists the official document.
Faced with these findings, the authorities ordered the immediate closure of the establishment, which will remain in effect until the owner proves compliance. Requirements include complete disinfection of premises, rigorous temperature management for sensitive foodstuffs and the establishment of a strict control plan to ensure food safety.
A reconversion threatened
For Sergueï Sergueev, a local figure known for his fifteen years spent in the jersey of the Montalbanese Sports Union (USM), this closure could prove difficult. Retrained in catering after his long sporting career, the manager sees his establishment hit hard as the holidays approach, a crucial period for his economic activity.
“Failure to comply with the order exposes you to heavy sanctions,” remind the authorities. In accordance with article L. 237-2 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, the owner risks up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros in the event of an infraction.
Several closures in the past
This isn't the first time Santa Maria Pub has found itself in the spotlight for similar reasons. In August 2019, the establishment had already suffered a one-month administrative closure. Rebelote in July 2022, when the pub was forced to suspend operations until August 1.
Today, a rigorous inspection of the premises will be necessary to validate the corrective measures imposed. In the meantime, the restoration part of the Santa Maria remains at a standstill, its future hanging on its owner's ability to meet the authorities' requirements. The Santa Maria bar and the nightclub adjoining the restaurant, Le Caï, remain open for the holidays.
Contacted this December 26 by La Dépêche du MidiSerge Sergueev, owner of the Santa Maria restaurant, explains the reasons for this unexpected closure. At issue: work undertaken on an adjoining building which caused structural damage to the establishment's kitchens. “Due to this construction site, the wall of our kitchen moved, cracks appeared, and the earthenware fell,” laments the former second line of the USM. A dispute has been going on for two years between the lessor of the Santa Maria and the neighboring owner, their respective insurers being slow to reach an agreement.
These disorders, believes Serge Sergueev, have led to an outlier of the establishment. “This work, which seriously damaged our kitchens, made the situation untenable,” explains the restaurateur, while recognizing that it would also have been necessary to replace certain refrigeration equipment. Despite everything, he claims to have increased his efforts with companies with a view to starting repairs. “With the holidays, it’s not easy, but we will reopen quickly,” promises the owner, resolutely optimistic.
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