‘Unclean and unsanitary’: Black Bull Tapas Bar and Restaurant closed by order of council

A tapas bar and restaurant on Moorabool St has closed after a council inspection. Here’s why.

Black Bull Tapas Bar and Restaurant on Moorabool St will close according to a council order. Picture: Michaela Meade

A Moorabool St tapas bar has been ordered to close after it was found to be “unclean and unsanitary” by council inspectors.

According to a council closure order posted on the window of Black Bull Tapas Bar and Restaurant, the business has shut its doors indefinitely.

“I … am satisfied from the report of an authorised officer of the council that the food premises situated at 42 Moorabool St Geelong … is in an unclean and unsanitary condition and in a state of disrepair and food is prepared, sold or otherwise handled at a food premises in a matter that makes it likely the food is unsafe or unsuitable,” City of Greater Geelong chief executive Kaarina Phyland said in the order, dated February 1, 2023.

The business sits along a strip of restaurants opposite Westfield shopping centre. Picture: Michaela Meade

“I hereby direct that the food premises must be put into a clean and sanitary condition, and the specified steps … be taken to the satisfaction of an authorised officer.

“I further direct that the food premises must not be kept or used for the sale or handling for sale of any food, or the food premises must not be kept or used for the preparation of food.”

The closure order is posted on the window of the business. Picture: Michaela Meade

Ms Phyland said the proprietor, Svr Aahaar Pty Ltd, was to follow the order from its service on February 1.

Council’s acting city services director David Greaves said environmental health officers issued the notice over a failure to comply with food safety legislation.

“The closure order will be lifted once the business meets the requirements set by our officers, in line with the Food Act,” Mr Greaves said.

“Inspections by our team help protect the community’s health and safety by ensuring that venues serving food are kept in a clean and sanitary condition.”

It’s understood this is the second closure notice issued to a restaurant by the council during the current financial year.

Businesses that breach the Food Act can be prosecuted and penalties are determined via the court process.

Recent online reviews reveal some trouble with the menu, with many sitting at as low as one out of five stars.

In a review posted to Google about three weeks ago, Ryhan Grinter told readers “don’t go here”.

Another reviewer, Justin Con Foo, said he ate at the restaurant before the Covid-19 pandemic, and “it was awesome”.

“Thought I’d revisit but it’s gone downhill,” they said.

Black Bull has been approached for comment.

Originally published as ‘Unclean and unsanitary’: Black Bull Tapas Bar and Restaurant closed by order of council