Inspectors temporarily close Bradenton-area Mexican restaurant with roach problem 

Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

The reports are public information.

During recent inspections, a Mexican restaurant in Bradenton was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of roach activity.

Mr. Tequila Authentic Mexican Restaurant, 491 Cortez Road W., Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down March 17

• High priority: An inspector observed approximately three live roaches in a bar area.
• Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.
• Basic: An inspector observed two dead roaches in a bar area and one dead roach in a room next to a restroom.
• Basic: An inspector noted five other basic violations, including food stored uncovered in a walk-in cooler and freezer and food storage shelves pitted with rust.
• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on March 18 and was allowed to reopen.

Editor’s Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a “snapshot” of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and “high-risk” establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed at www.myfloridalicense.com.