Surfside Liquors Gets Conditional Pass Despite Storage Issues

Surfside Liquors at 950 Innes Avenue in San Francisco's Bayview district received a conditional pass during a November 5th reinspection, marking progress in addressing health code violations while still requiring attention to storage and equipment issues. The liquor store demonstrated significant improvement since its previous inspection, with inspector Montre Tieu noting that the front service area is now accessible and clean. However, the facility still faces challenges with unused equipment and storage items accumulated throughout the cashier area, creating conditions that could harbor vermin.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, conducted from 12:30 PM to 1:05 PM, the inspector found one major violation related to premises maintenance and vermin proofing. The specific issue involved the accumulation of unused equipment and other items stored throughout the cashier area, which violates California Retail Food Code sections 114067 and 114123. The inspector's report emphasized the importance of removing all unused equipment and items to prevent harboring of vermin. Clutter and unnecessary storage create ideal conditions for rodents and cockroaches to establish nests and breeding areas. The facility operator, Robert Pinkard, received specific instructions to continue cleanup efforts and remove all remaining unused equipment from the premises.

Health Violations Found

The primary concern identified during the reinspection centers on violation #43, which addresses premises maintenance, personal and cleaning items, and vermin proofing. While this is classified as a major violation, it does not pose immediate health risks that would require facility closure. The issue stems from poor storage practices rather than active pest infestation or food safety violations. Health officials stress that cardboard storage materials and accumulated clutter provide harborage for cockroaches, with each egg case potentially containing 30-40 nymphs. The removal of these conditions is essential for maintaining a pest-free environment and ensuring compliance with San Francisco health codes.

Previous Inspection History

The facility's inspection record shows this was a reinspection following a previous inspection on October 28th that also resulted in a conditional pass. The recent reinspection demonstrates partial progress, with the front service area showing marked improvement in accessibility and cleanliness. The conditional pass status allows Surfside Liquors to continue operating while addressing the remaining storage and equipment issues. This designation indicates that while violations exist, they do not pose immediate public health risks that would warrant closure.

Ongoing Operations

Located near the T-Third Muni line, Surfside Liquors remains open to serve the Bayview community while working to resolve the outstanding storage violations. The facility is expected to implement corrective measures and may face follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. The conditional pass reflects the establishment's commitment to addressing health code violations while maintaining operations. Customers can continue shopping at the liquor store with confidence that active steps are being taken to meet all health and safety requirements. Store owners have been provided clear guidance on removing unused equipment and implementing proper storage practices to prevent future violations and achieve full compliance with San Francisco health codes.