STREET ROD INN Board revokes bar's food license because of drinking water source

The health board has issues with the tavern's water quality and sewage disposal.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning County Board of Health has suspended the food service license for a Milton Township bar.
But the bar's owner says he will appeal that suspension.
Matthew Stefanak, health board commissioner, said the board suspended the license for the Street Rod Inn on the northwest corner of Mahoning Avenue and state Route 534.
Stefanak said the bar's food service was not the issue. The bar has problems with its drinking water source, where bacteria was found. The establishment also has been disposing raw sewage into a well, he added.
"Having safe drinking water and proper sewage disposal is a basic requirement for food sanitation and to obtain a food license," Stefanak said.
He said that as soon as the establishment's owner fixes the problems, the board will lift the suspension.
However, he said health board personnel and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency have been working with the establishment for six months to resolve the matter.
"The problems have not been corrected, and the board was forced to take action," Stefanak said.
Appeal
Gary Carson of Lake Milton is the owner. Carson said he already has started the process to appeal the suspension.
Carson said the dispute with the health department on the water and sewage issue has been ongoing for about a year. He said his wife has taken water samples for testing and the samples have come back negative.
"I have an updated septic system and have put about $15,000 in the updates," Carson said.