On May 22, 2015 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for Paragraph 61C-4.010(7) Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 61C-4.010(6), Florida Administrative Code from America's Best Inn located in St ...

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Division of Hotels and Restaurants

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61C-4.010Sanitation and Safety Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice:

On May 22, 2015, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for subsection 61C-4.010(7), F.A.C., and subsection 61C-4.010(6), F.A.C., from America’s Best Inn located in St Petersburg. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that at least one accessible bathroom be provided for use by customers. They are requesting to share the bathrooms located within a nearby establishment under different ownership for use by customers only.

The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 41, No. 105, F.A.R., on June 1, 2015. The Order for this Petition was signed and approved on June 9, 2015. 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 bathrooms located within the Courtyard by Marriott (6215769) are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner and are provided with cold running water under pressure, soap, approved hand drying devices, and are available during all hours of operation. The Petitioner shall also ensure directional signage is installed within or outside the establishment clearly stating the location of the bathrooms. If the ownership of Courtyard by Marriott (Pennsylvania Hotel Associates LLC) changes, an updated signed agreement for use of the bathroom facilities will be required immediately.

A copy of the Order or additional information may be obtained by contacting: [e-mail], Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011.