TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager take steps necessary to schedule a Study Session of the full City Council at which time the City Council can review a presentation from the City's Health and Human Services Department regarding the current restaurant rating system, how it operates and why it does not conform with the Los Angeles County rating system. Additionally, owners and operators of Long Beach food establishments should also be invited to provide their perspectives.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach through its Department of Health and Human Services administers an inspection and rating system of local establishments that sell food or food products. Unlike the surrounding Los Angeles County cities, Long Beach does not use an "A,B,C" rating system but instead uses a list of "corrective actions" that are needed to be completed by the establishment whether or not they were found to be in overall compliance.
Restaurant owners have brought a number of problems to the attention of City Council members such as the format of the public notice, the lack of an overall rating that assures the public the food establishment is safe to eat at, and the inconsistency with the surround Los Angeles County system. Some owners have noted that the format of the public notice causes confusion for customers and negatively impacts their businesses.
The overall status of the rating system needs to be reviewed with public in put from restaurant owners and the City's Health and Human Services Department.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE
FIFTH DISTRICT