Two Restaurants Without Hot Water Shut Down by the Health Department

The Southern Nevada Health District shut down Starbucks at 1772 S. Rainbow Boulevard with an imminent health hazard on March 16. The coffee shop had no hot water. The health department initially inspected Starbucks on March 10 and followed up on cleaning performed at the location but discovered the facility had no hot water. Starbucks reopened with an eight-demerit A grade on March 17.

The health department shut down the snack bar at 7-Eleven at 228 Las Vegas Boulevard N. with an imminent health hazard on March 17. The convenience store had no hot water, so food handlers could not wash their hands. The hot water heater was rusty and loose screws held it together. Trash was stored on top of it. The snack bar reopened the following day with a zero-demerit A grade.

In one of the oddest incidents so far in 2020, the heath department found La Luna Tea & Dessert Bar at 7960 S. Rainbow Boulevard was using cocoa butter from a beauty supply store as an ingredient during a routine inspection on March 19. KTNV reports that the restaurant claims the product purchased at Hansi Beauty is food grade. The restaurant, which was still allowing customers inside during the inspection on March 19 after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered all nonessential businesses closed and permitted restaurants to open only for takeout and delivery, earned a 31-demerit C grade. It did switch to takeout and delivery service only, but still has a C grade.

The Southern Nevada Health District conducts unannounced inspections at least once a year. Inspections are posted online about five days after the inspection. The health department routinely shuts down restaurants that receive more than 40 demerits. Restaurants have the option of requesting a re-inspection before the next scheduled inspection.

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