The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice:
That on April 18, 2011 the Department received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2001 FDA Food Code from The White Room Bar & Lounge located in Land O’Lakes. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirements that each establishment have an approved plumbing system installed to transport water and wastewater. They are requesting to utilize holding tanks to provide potable water and to collect wastewater at sushi bar and dishmachine area handwash sinks.
The Petition was published in Vol. 37, No. 18 on May 6, 2011. The Order for this Petition was signed on May 13, 2011 and after a complete review of the variance request, the Division finds that the application of this Rule will create a financial hardship to the food service establishment. Furthermore, the Division finds that the Petitioner meets the burden of demonstrating that the underlying statute has been achieved by the Petitioner ensuring the wastewater holding tanks for the handwash sinks are emptied at a frequency as to not create a sanitary nuisance; and potable water provided must come from an approved source and be protected from contamination during handling. The Petitioner shall also ensure that the handwash sinks are provided with hot and cold running water under pressure, soap, an approved hand drying device and a handwashing sign.
A copy of the Order or additional information may be obtained by contacting:
Lydia.Gonzalez@DBPR.state.fl.us, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011.