Health inspectors cited six businesses for allegedly allowing indoor hookah smoking in late May, according to municipal records.
Each establishment was issued a $1,000 penalty on May 30-31, 2019. Municipal inspectors cited:
- Mama Juana Cafe on 177 3rd Avenue (May 30)
- Al Amir Cafe at 1017 Main Street
- Mazzika Restaurant at 998 Market Street
- Mama Juana Cafe on 177 3rd Avenue (May 31)
- Ramzi Social Club at 323 East Railway Avenue
- El Mexicano at 487 21st Avenue.
On May 30, inspectors observed 20 people smoking hookah indoors at the Mama Juana Cafe, according to records. The next day, inspectors observed one person smoking hookah indoors.
Mama Juana Café was cited both days.
Eight people were smoking hookah indoors and water was turned off at the Al Amir Café on May 30, according to records.
Four people were observed smoking hookah and hot water was turned off at the Mazzika Restaurant on May 31, according to records.
15 people were smoking hookah indoors at the Ramzi Social Club and 20 at the El Mexicano on May 31, according to records.
Inspectors visited 12 businesses.
The Bonfire at 999 Market Street was let off with a warning for its first indoor smoking violation. Four people were observed smoking hookah indoors at the Bonfire on May 30 after the establishment was closed, according to records.
Food trucks
Inspectors also conducted inspections of food trucks. Six food trucks were inspected on May 30-31. Inspectors shut down four.
The Lomo Truck on Getty Avenue was shut down for “no water, illegal operators, illegal dumping, unsanitary conditions, blocking the sidewalk,” says records. A picture appears to show the truck dumping food waste in a roadway.
AA Food Mobil on Market Street was shut down for no water, food segregation issues, and temperature problems. El Pica Chimi Truck on 23rd Avenue was closed down for no water, two illegal operators cooking in truck on May 30, according to records.
Dominicana Frituras on Market Street was closed down for “operating without a license, operating without water, illegal operators,” according to records.
Inspectors did not find any violations at the AA Food Mobile on Market Street and the Latin Garden Food Truck on 3rd Avenue on May 31.
“The City’s Health Department cannot ignore blatant public health violations that compromise the health and well-being of residents,” said acting health and human services director Paul Persaud last week.
The City Council has long complained the city is too lax on enforcement. Some council members saw the latest enforcement actions as a positive.
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