EL MONTE, CA – Health authorities in Los Angeles County have ordered the temporary closure of a full-service bar in El Monte following a health inspection that uncovered significant sanitary and structural deficiencies, including a notable vermin infestation. Progress On Main, located at 10808 Main St, El Monte, CA 91731, was issued the closure order on Thursday, June 27, 2025, rendering it unable to operate until critical violations are addressed and verified by county inspectors.
Details of the Health Inspection and Primary Findings
The mandated closure stems from a comprehensive health inspection conducted on Friday, June 27, 2025, by officials from the Los Angeles County health department. Inspections of food and beverage establishments are routine, designed to ensure businesses comply with strict public health and safety regulations aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses and other health hazards. During this specific inspection, multiple violations were documented, leading to the immediate suspension of the bar’s operating permit.
The most critical finding cited was a significant vermin infestation observed on the premises. Vermin, such as rodents or insects, pose an extreme risk to public health due to their ability to contaminate food, surfaces, and equipment with pathogens that can cause serious diseases. The presence of an active infestation indicates a severe breakdown in sanitation and structural integrity, making continued operation untenable from a public health standpoint.
Additional Violations Cited by Inspectors
Beyond the primary concern of vermin, the health inspection report for Progress On Main detailed several other violations contributing to the closure order. These additional issues highlight broader systemic problems with hygiene and maintenance within the establishment.
Inspectors noted significant problems with warewashing facilities. Proper warewashing – the cleaning and sanitizing of dishes, utensils, and equipment – is fundamental to preventing the spread of germs. Issues in this area can range from inadequate water temperature, improper sanitizer concentration, lack of necessary sinks, or poorly maintained equipment, all of which compromise the ability to effectively clean items coming into contact with food or beverages.
Additionally, the inspection found unclean nonfood-contact surfaces. These are surfaces within the establishment that do not directly touch food (like shelves, equipment exteriors, walls, and floors) but still require regular cleaning to maintain overall sanitation and prevent the harborage of pests or accumulation of dirt that could migrate to food contact areas. Uncleanliness in these areas further indicates a lapse in standard operational hygiene practices.
A third category of violations involved issues with the building’s physical structure, specifically citing improperly constructed or disrepair floors, walls, and ceilings (GRP violations). GRP violations often relate to the general physical condition and maintenance of the establishment. Floors, walls, and ceilings must be smooth, durable, and easy to clean to prevent the accumulation of grime and to deter pests. Disrepair in these areas, such as cracks, holes, or damaged surfaces, can make effective cleaning impossible and provide entry points or hiding places for vermin, directly linking back to the primary infestation issue.
Path to Reopening
The closure of Progress On Main is temporary. Under health department regulations, the bar is now required to take immediate and corrective action to address all cited violations. This includes, but is not limited to, eradicating the vermin infestation, thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the premises, repairing or replacing deficient warewashing facilities, cleaning all nonfood-contact surfaces, and rectifying the structural issues with floors, walls, and ceilings.
Upon completion of these remedial actions, the management of Progress On Main must notify the Los Angeles County health department to request a follow-up inspection. The bar is not allowed to reopen until a health inspector conducts this subsequent visit and confirms that all critical violations have been corrected and the establishment meets the necessary public health standards. The timing of the reopening is therefore contingent solely on the bar’s ability to swiftly and effectively remedy the documented issues and pass the mandatory follow-up inspection.
Context within Los Angeles County Health Oversight
Establishment closures like the one at Progress On Main, while disruptive, are a necessary measure employed by health departments to safeguard public health. They underscore the rigorous oversight applied to food and beverage service businesses across Los Angeles County to ensure they operate in environments free from significant health hazards. The swift action taken on June 27, 2025, reflects the gravity of the violations found, particularly the presence of a vermin infestation, which is considered a critical risk factor for disease transmission.
The case of Progress On Main serves as a reminder to all food and beverage operators within the county about the importance of maintaining stringent sanitation practices and structural integrity, as mandated by health codes, to ensure the safety and well-being of their patrons and staff.
