For immediate release: October 3, 2008 (08-170)

Contacts:
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076

OLYMPIA ¾ Electrical hazards and other unsafe conditions have led the state Department of Health to immediately suspend the license of the Snore and Whisker Motel in Grays Harbor County. The motel at 3031 Simpson Ave. in Hoquiam poses an immediate threat to guests.

Investigators say the motel violated construction, maintenance, electrical, fire, and safety codes. The motel must be vacated by Monday, Oct. 6 at midnight; the state health department is working with city officials to help guests in need of housing. The motel cannot reopen until a hearing is held.

Alleged conditions in motel rooms include unsafe exposed electrical wiring; improperly installed electrical equipment; smoke detectors that don’t work; mold; unsanitary floors, walls, and fixtures; and other unsanitary conditions. The motel owner has 10 days to request a prompt hearing and 28 days to contest these charges.

To report a complaint against a hotel or motel, call the program’s hotline, 1-800-633-6828.

Motels offering three or more units to guests for less than 30 days must be licensed by the state’s Health Professions and Facilities program. The program licenses about 1,700 motels, hotels, inns, resorts, and bed and breakfast facilities in the state. It enforces health and safety standards for those establishments.

###