A karaoke club has been fined $35,000 after failing to eradicate one of the worst cockroach infestations discovered by health inspectors in recent years.
“This was one of the worst cases we’ve come across, with an unacceptable risk to public health,” said Peter Harding, Manager of Health and Building.
The Odyssey Multicultural Function Hall on Pitt Street, pleaded guilty in court to five breaches of the Food Standards Act and was fined the maximum possible penalty of $35,000.
It was the club’s failure to rectify health hazards discovered in March last year which lead to the court case and to the unprecedented penalty. At that time, health officers discovered food stored on the ground of the kitchen, open to the cockroaches that infested the venue.
“In March 2010 the restaurant had the opportunity to fix all the problems, however upon reinspection several weeks later the karaoke hall had failed,” said a spokesperson from City of Sydney.
Mr Harding said: “We make no apology for taking action against food outlets that continue to breach food safety regulations.
“When we see serious breaches which could cause serious food poisoning we take swift and decisive action.”
Each year, the council conducts more than 3,000 inspections of retail food businesses. Those food business found to be breaking the law, can face sanctions ranging from a warning letter to prosecution, with fines of up to $110,000 for individuals and $550,000 for corporations.
Since the ruling, the Odyssey Multicultural Function Hall has reopened for business, however refused to comment on the matter.
By Kristie Beattie
