Business licences and health and safety issues were the focus of the most recent Public Safety Compliance Team’s tour of Red Deer drinking establishments.
On July 10, the Red Deer team visited 10 drinking establishments to ensure licensing and safety standards were being met. The team focuses on over-serving of alcohol, serving of underage patrons, fire code violations and occupancy limits.
However, during the recent visit licences and safety concerns were at the forefront.
According to a news release from the Red Deer RCMP, the team found one business licence was expired, one business was warned about a licensing issue, several establishments received warnings for Gaming and Liquor Act offences, one food truck was temporarily closed and Alberta Health Services issued warnings and will follow up with several establishments.
Red Deer Emergency Services personnel were especially concerned with safety concerns relating to kitchens where a required exit was obstructed. Charges are pending against one business.
Business owners are reminded to ensure all required exits are kept clear of obstructions and clearly visible at all times.
As well, fire suppression systems over cooking appliances should be maintained on a semi-annual basis, and ducts should be cleaned by a qualified person.
The Public Safety Compliance Team was formed in 2013 to address concerns related to drinking establishments in Red Deer. It is a partnership between the Red Deer RCMP, Red Deer Emergency Services, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Red Deer Branch, City of Red Deer Inspections and Licensing and Alberta Health Services.