Service NL says education, not public reports, has helped restaurant compliance

Years ago, Keith Ward seldom saw a restaurant inspector at the Goulds diner his family has now operated for about 50 years.

The Taj Mahal restaurant's previous location on Water Street Thursday. Photo by Rhonda Hayward/The Telegram

There were times you never saw an inspector for three or four years, Ward said Thursday.

All thats changed now and in recent years the inspections are more frequent, more diligent and keep up with changing regulations and standards.

When those (Service NL) guys come in, if you dont comply, they will shut you down. Thats life, Ward said of the ultimate potential punishment for non-compliant restaurants.

Prior to that, you were never really compelled to do it.

ForWard, the due diligence of the inspectors is in keeping with changing times that focus more on health, just like eliminating smoking in public venues.

Everything has changed. I think what (the inspectors) are doing is OK. Theres nothing wrong with it, it makes you a better business owner, he said.

Thursday was the first time Ward of Keiths Diner and Take Out was asked about his restaurant inspection by anyone in the public, in this case a Telegram reporter.

But he said when the inspections went public, it kept restaurant operators on their toes and gave the public some peace of mind.

Original post:
Service NL says education, not public reports, has helped restaurant compliance