Pittsfield Health Shuts Down North Street Eatery for 'Pests'
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Iztac Mexican Restaurant is currently shut down by the Health Department.
A hearing at the Board of Health on Wednesday was continued at the owner's request. The Licensing Board last month issued a two-week liquor license suspension for Iztac, formerly Pancho's Mexican Restaurant.
According to a Health Department notice on the restaurant's door, it was ordered to close on March 13.
"The owner of the restaurant had requested that he needed more time to address the lease agreement that he has with the owner of the building," Director of Public Health Andy Cambi said.
"So at that point, I said we're not going to hold it against you if you're unable to show up at this point. We will hold this in place; the suspension holds, but until you're ready to meet with the board, obviously, you cannot reopen."
Taped to Iztac's door is a March 13 notice from the Health Department stating that it was closed to the public to protect public health and safety. The reason listed for closure is "controlling pests."
An inspection report noted "live cockroach activity" in the main kitchen and indicated that corrective action was required.
"This establishment has been ordered closed by the Pittsfield Health Department and may not operate until the violations noted below have been corrected and written approval to reopen has been issued," it reads.
Cambi reported that the building owner is aware of the infestation and is working to address it, recognizing that it will worsen if left dormant. It was suggested that the tenant is not able to access the space.
Gabriel Columna purchased the business in 2022. Last year, the board approved a name change from Pancho's Mexican Restaurant to Iztac, still operating under Columnna LLC.
In March, the Licensing Board imposed a two-week liquor license suspension on the restaurant after police submitted photographs that appear to show underage patrons drinking. Pancho's had its liquor license suspended for one week in 2023 and its hours reduced twice.
Early this year, an upset mother contacted Pittsfield Police Capt. Matthew Hill about her 19-year-old daughter patronizing Iztac at night and being served, and offered to obtain photos.
Hill agreed, and at the end of January, he was sent five different photos and one video of the daughter and a friend with what appeared to be a mixed drink. The pictures were printed and presented to the board with faces blurred; the reporting party wishes to remain anonymous along with her daughter and friend, and she was unable to attend the hearing.
He ran the patrons' names through police records to confirm they were not 21.
At that meeting, the Licensing Board also continued a show-cause hearing for Ben Tempi's liquor license, as the same mother submitted an almost identical complaint about the Onota Street establishment and provided photos, one of them with the owner "clearly visible."
Tags: board of health, restaurants,
