Number of fines imposed by Prague's hygiene officers increases

Prague city hygiene inspectors imposed over 500 fines on restaurants, pubs and other hospitality facilities last year, in a total amount of CZK 3 million. The number of fines imposed in 2023 was almost 50 percent higher than in the previous year. The number of inspections also increased by almost a thousand.

One in ten inspections was carried out following a report from customers. The increase in the number of inspections is in response to the deteriorating hygiene conditions in catering establishments following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last year, hygiene officers also dealt with two major cases of food poisoning in hotels catering to foreign guests. In both cases, inspections revealed deficiencies in food handling, preparation and cooking.