Saks fined for dirt, roaches
COCKROACHES and a dirty kitchen have cost ritzy waterfront restaurant Saks a $15,000 fine but the owners have reassured customers their food safety standards are now up to scratch.
The owners of Saks Restaurant and Bar at Marina Mirage were forced to spend more than $55,000 on cleaning and structural changes after Gold Coast City Council food safety officers busted them for failing several inspections last year.
Inspectors discovered dead and live cockroaches in the commercial kitchen, uncovered seafood and surfaces covered in grease, grime, dirt and mould on three separate inspections in September 2013.
Council solicitor Nick Hatcher yesterday told the Southport Magistrates Court 15 cockroaches had been found under the refrigerated pizza unit, near the pizza oven, at the washing-up sink and in the dry storage area.
He said the restaurant had been given a clean bill of health in April this year but a single dead cockroach was found during a surprise inspection last week.
Saks pleaded guilty through lawyer Michael McMillan to one count of failing to comply with a requirement imposed by the Food Standards Code.
Mr McMillan said his clients took over the business a year ago but were “just accountants” who had little experience in the hospitality industry.
He said the head chef and manager had been fired late last year and current staff were put through a “daily regime” to ensure cleanliness.
The council asked for fines up to $25,000, while Mr McMillan said a lesser fine of up to $15,000 was more fitting as the business had no previous breaches and had already suffered adverse publicity.
But Magistrate Ron Kilner expressed disgust at the owners’ slow compliance with council orders.
“Members of the public were put at risk of salmonella poisoning ... due to the poor hygiene at the restaurant,” he said. “The fact of the matter is, they didn’t shut the doors – they kept the restaurant open for business, presumably making money while not complying.
Mr Kilner fined Saks $15,000 but did not record a conviction.