Foxboro Health Disputes Waxy's, Says They Are Repeat Offenders

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The town's health department has disputed claims that it acted punitively in shutting down a local Irish pub, Waxy O'Conner's, for health code violations.

The pub announced that it was permanently closing in a press release on Sunday, blaming the town for taking measures that made it impossible to stay in business. But towns officials said this wasn't the first time the restaurant violated health codes.

The restaurant on Main Street was called before the health department twice last year for possible health code violations. Town officials said more violations were found during a health inspection on Dec. 26, including perishable food being delivered in non-refrigerated vans, a moldy fridge and a bar without cleaning products.

“We gave them every chance in the world and all they did was yes us to death,” Health Director Pauline Zajdel told the Sun Chronicle.

According to health department officials, a hearing for Waxy O'Conner's is still scheduled for Monday, but the town offered to allow the restaurant to move up the hearing. The town never heard back from Waxy's, the Sun Chronicle reported. After last year's violations, health officials said the pub was required to hire a food safety consultant. Waxy's made that hire, according to a press release.

"This past year we have introduced a new executive chef, a new menu, and hired a consultant," the statement said. "We have continually over the years implemented enhanced food safety procedures through staff training and certifications and through a significant capital expenditure program."

Despite the hire, health department officials said they never received the weekly consultant reports that the town required.

Waxy O'Conner's did not immediately return Patch's request for further comment.

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