For immediate release: February 12, 2008 (08-020)

Contacts:
Shannon Walker, Facilities and Services Licensing 360-236-2933
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ The state Department of Health has suspended the license of the Airport Motel and Restaurant in Pasco because of mold, safety violations and unsanitary conditions.

The license of the motel at 2532 N. 4^th Avenue was immediately suspended because it poses a threat to its guests.

Department investigators discovered construction, maintenance, electrical, fire and safety code violations. Conditions in the motel rooms include non-working smoke detectors, mold, dead mice and mice feces under pillows. Other findings include unsanitary mattresses, bed covers, sheets and mattress pads and general unsanitary conditions.

The motel must be vacated by February 15, 2008 and may not offer accommodations until a hearing is held. The owner has 20 days to respond and contest these charges.

Motels offering three or more units to guests for less than 30 days must be licensed by the agency’s Facilities and Services Licensing Program. The program is responsible for licensing about 1,700 motels, hotels, inns, resorts and bed-and-breakfast facilities in Washington. It also enforces health and safety standards for those establishments.

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