October 3rd, 2005

An inn owner from Sheffield has been fined over asbestos related charges. David Rothstein, owner of The Stagecoach Inn, appeared at Southern Berkshire District Court, and he was fined $5,000 for violation of the Clean Air Act after he was involved in the improper and irresponsible removal of asbestos.

The 70-year-old innkeeper pled guilty to two charges of violating the Act when he appeared before District Court Judge James McElroy. He also pled guilty to violating the Labor and Industries Act. The charges came about after the innkeeper removed asbestos from the Undermountain Road Inn. This was done by an employee under his direction, and was done while the inn was still in operation and had customers.

The violations were discovered after a customer contacted the authorities regarding the removal of the asbestos in the basement of the inn. Upon investigation environmental authorities confirmed that there was asbestos in the insulation of the property. The employee that had been directed to remove the asbestos stated that he had never been told that he was dealing with asbestos material.

He also confirmed that he had not been provided with any protective gear or equipment when asked to remove the asbestos material.