A Calgary restaurant that had to be closed three times by Alberta Health Services has been fined $36,798.
The owners of the Tai Pan Restaurant, 1518 Centre Street N.E. pleaded guilty on Monday to all 14 charges it faced under the Public Health Act.
The restaurant was fined $19,548, including 15 per cent victim fine surcharge.
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Co-owners Van Dung Luu (nine counts) and Dennis Huen (seven counts), and manager Vivian Kao (nine counts) were each fined $5,750.
Provincial court Judge Frank Maloney had accepted a joint sentencing submission by Crown prosecutor Stephen Torscher and defence lawyers John Kong and Tim Corcoran.
“Patrons of restaurants rely on this legislation for their health and safety,” Maloney said.
“The public needs that protection, and consumers expect compliance. The charges are serious and the fines are not unreasonable. They appear to be enough to get the message across that you must comply with the legislation.”
Torscher told the court that the eatery was inspected 34 times by Alberta Health Services between Oct. 7, 2011, and Jan. 23 2015, uncovering numerous violations on most occasions.
Among the violations, he said, were: insects and fruit flies throughout the premises; mouse droppings in the storage room; dirty sink blocked by food; greasy and dirty ventilation hood; various foods including raw ducks stored at room temperature; dirty cutting blocks, knives, meat slicers, deep fryers, scoops, plates, forks and other utensils; mould growing inside the cooler in the dry storage area; and dirty washing stations.
The restaurant was first closed April 13, 2012, after violations were discovered following a sewer backup. It opened later the same day when the issues were remedied.
Another closure order was issued March 12, 2013, as a result of violations found that day. The eatery was reopened three days later.
The final closure order was made on Jan. 16, 2015, again following numerous violations seen during an inspection, and charges were laid. The restaurant was closed for a week before being permitted to reopen.
None of the accused persons, who were all in court, made any comments to the court before sentencing. They were given until Jan. 31, 2017, to pay the fines.
dslade@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/heraldcourt
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