Restaurateurs Beware: DOH To Conduct Surprise Inspections

Surprise! While some consumers are left scratching their heads and wondering why their favorite diner does not display their sanitary rating, the Department of Health will be conducting surprise investigations to ensure the ratings of A, B,  or C are in a visable location.

While nearly a quarter of the city's 24,000 eateries have not been inspected, the DOH is moving forward with the next phase.

DOH Investigators have begun issuing fines for those restaurants that fail to display their health inspection rating.

The grading system is based on sanitary violations. It requires most establishments including restaurants, coffee shops, bars, nightclubs, cafeterias, retail bakeries, and fixed-site food stands to display the signs in a highly visible location.

At least one Bayside business owner, Irene Zaikos of , viewed the inspections and ratings as a positive.

"While it's the law and you have to follow it," said Zaikos, "if you run a clean place, it's going to reflect on your business."