Eurobodalla Shire Council’s new food inspection program hasn’t won any fans among local food businesses. Among those unhappy with fees introduced for local cafes, restaurants and takeaways is Café Nelligen’s Rick Patman. He wants council to outline exactly where his $150 administration fee is going. “To me, administration should be entering details into a system and issuing an invoice,” he said. “A trained monkey could do it.”
According to Mr Patman, Café Nelligen has passed two food inspections since January with flying colours. He just doesn’t understand why he should have to foot the $630 bill for the privilege. “It’s $315 each time they come out,” he said. “You get charged $150 in administration each time. I don’t see how they can justify $300 a year on admin alone.”
Either way, Mr Patman says the charges are too steep and that his business is suffering under the burden. “On a bad week that single bill would be at least 80 per cent of my business,” he said. “On a wet day in winter, that’s your whole week gone to Eurobodalla Shire Council alone. Then we have got rent, insurance, wages, electricity, all your outgoings and bills.”
Source: BAY POST
