A North Side movie theater's food concession was closed July 30, after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered critical violations of the city's Health Code.
The Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave., saw its candy counter closed after Health Department inspectors discovered rodent droppings in the food concession area, a leaking sewage pipe in the theater's basement, a leaking three-compartment sink, and no soap and hand towels in the bathrooms.
"If this theater wants a license to sell food, they must do so in a consistently safe manner," stated CDPH Commissioner John Wilhelm, M.D. "Their concession counter will not be allowed to re-open until they have corrected their deficiencies and passed re-inspection."
Health Department officials expressed surprise at finding the violations, especially because theater management knew they were coming. The inspection was triggered by the theater owner's application for a retail food license.
The enforcement action was the 203rd time in 2003 that Health Department inspectors have closed a food establishment for violations of the Chicago Health Code. In addition to having their food concession closed, Davis Theater representatives will have to explain their failures at an administrative hearing on Sept. 4 and pay a fine that may total as much as $2,000.
Chicagoans who believe that a food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to dial 311 and report it. |
