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Como’s Appeal Hearing Set for Sept. 20

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 18, 2017)

Ferndale, MI – After receiving notice from the Oakland County Health Division on Aug 22 that their food service license was suspended, patrons continue to dine at Como’s Restaurant in Ferndale pending an appeal hearing.

That hearing is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 9 am in the Oakland County Commissioner’s building at 1200 N. Telegraph Road.

According to Oakland County Health Division Administrator Tony Drautz, the hearing is open to the public, although he added “I’ve never really seen members of the public show up, only people who want to testify on behalf of the restaurant owners, staff, etc.”

Hearings are generally held in a conference room outside the main County Commission auditorium, but the officials running the meeting could decide to move it to the auditorium if more space is needed.

Drautz explained the process, stating “A panel of commissioners will hear from the Health Division about the reasons, and they’ll hear from the restaurant. Generally there is a resolution that someone will make a motion for, and they’ll vote.  Usually it’s a list of things that need to be done before they can re-open.”

When asked if a license could be revoked permanently, Drautz said “Business owners have a right to operate their business if they bring it into to compliance. They have due process.”

Como’s lost their license in 2016 and was able to re-open after agreeing to more frequent inspections, training of staff, and keeping regular cleaning logs.

Records obtained by Oakland County Times through a Freedom of Information Act Request show a history of violations, including serving expired food, running dishes through a dishwasher without chlorination, flypaper and accumulations of dead flies, improper food storage and soiled surfaces and utensils. Even after closing, repeat violations continued.

The records also shows the history of communication and opportunities for Como’s management to make right the infractions.

The food service license is separate from a liquor license, which is issued by the State of Michigan, and the business license, which is issued by the city. In 2015 the State of Michigan suspend Como’s liquor license briefly, leaving them only serving food until fines and fees were paid.

For details and history check out Oakland County Time’s coverage:

Previous stories:

http://oaklandcounty115.com/2017/09/02/comos-facing-closure-again-after-months-of-health-violations-2/

http://oaklandcounty115.com/2017/01/13/comos-has-first-inspection-since-re-opening-offers-new-menu-dance-classes/

http://oaklandcounty115.com/2016/10/27/comos-reopens-after-health-department-shut-down/

http://oaklandcounty115.com/2016/10/01/records-show-health-dept-violations-that-closed-down-comos/

http://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/12/23/bounced-check-and-failed-test-may-explain-comos-license-suspension/