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Speaker Christine Quinn Gives 'F' To Restaurant Grading System

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn says she's been hearing a steady drumbeat of complaints from eatery owners about the health department's restaurant letter grading system.

WCBS 880's Rich Lamb On The Story

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"If you have a fly on your sidewalk cafe, you're getting a fine and you're getting a point against you in your grade. How the heck are you supposed to prevent flies from being in your sidewalk cafe? We need a system that's fair to the consumer and fair to the small businesses or restaurants in New York," said Quinn on Tuesday. "If you have a fly in your restaurant, you're getting a $300 to $350 fine. If there's one fly in the restaurant, if you see him in the front [and] if you see him in the back, you're getting $700 worth of fines."

Quinn is urging restauranteurs to take an online survey.

The results will be used in exploring possible changes to the inspection process in a hearing next month.

To take the survey, click HERE.

Quinn likes the letter grading system and thinks it's good for consumers, but wants to make sure it's fair to restaurant owners.

Do you have something else to say about NYC restaurant grades? Sound off in the comments section below!

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