Restaurant inspections to be made public under new Saskatchewan legislation

08.nov.06
CP Wire
Saskatoon StarPhoenix

REGINA -- The Saskatchewan government was cited as introducing legislation Wednesday that would allow restaurant inspection information to be made public.
Health Minister Len Taylor was cited as saying consumers will be able to find out whether an establishment had a recent inspection and how it fared, adding, "It allows the consumer to have greater confidence in the restaurant."
Once the legislation passes, Sask Health will begin consultations with interested groups to determine the best way to make the information available.
Don McMorris, Saskatchewan Party health critic, was cited as saying disclosing restaurant health records appears to be a good idea but he needs to see more details and hear more from the public and the industry.
Stacey Schmitz, a manger at Jerry's Food Emporium, was quoted as saying customers deserve the chance to "know what they're getting into" and that it's important for diners to know if a restaurant has had "one incident as opposed to many."
Roberto Pagnin, manager and co-owner of Taverna Italian Restaurant, was cited as saying the new legislation could be a double-edged sword, adding that while it is important for customers to know the inspection history of a restaurant, "one infraction could destroy a business. I have nothing against (the amendment). But you have to take it with a grain of salt."