By Sara Beth Williams–
A local sports bar in Citrus Heights was hit with several health code violations last week that forced the establishment to close briefly while undergoing sanitation and pest control services.
Along with multiple minor violations involving the accumulation of grime on appliances such as hood filters, walk-in coolers, and beverage dispensers, health officials observed live vermin activity during their initial inspection on Oct. 8, according to online inspection reports posted on the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department’s website.
The facility was forced to close on Oct. 8, and after the restaurant showed evidence of aggressive pest control, the facility was allowed to reopen Oct. 13.
On Oct. 8, multiple live German cockroaches were observed under compartment sinks inside the kitchen’s food prep area, on the counter inside a cabinet beneath the bar near a refrigerator unit, on the floor behind the same refrigerator, and under the dishwasher inside the bar and on the floor in the dining area near the women’s restroom.
Dead roaches were also observed near the restroom, as well as at the entrance of the walk-in cooler. Due to evidence of a vermin infestation, the sports bar was issued a red placard and required to shut down business.
A red card issuance results in immediate closure of the facility until a reinspection can take place. Generally, a reinspection will occur within 24-72 hours. A green card issuance indicates that a facility has passed the health inspection.
Inspectors also noted that heavy grease accumulation was observed throughout the bar area, especially under and behind the dishwasher, behind a white refrigeration unit, under food prep sink, and under all handwashing sinks, as well as on the floors at the entrance to a walk in cooler.
A follow up inspection on Oct. 9 found dozens more live roaches in various life stages. Inspectors noted that roaches were seen throughout the facility, and “especially noted at the bar dish machine, beneath bar countertop, near ice machine, along the wall adjacent to two-door upright cooler, near white upright cooler, and inside wooden cabinet in the bar area.”
On a third inspection report dated Oct. 13, health inspectors observed dying roaches, and were informed that the facility was continuing “aggressive pest control service.” The health department reinstated business operations, but noted that another reinspection was required to follow up on continued compliance within three weeks.
Phat Chad’s Tavern is open for business and operates from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
