DETROIT (WWJ) -- Community activists rallied outside Lafayette Coney Island on Friday to voice their disgust and make it clear that the popular restaurant's unsanitary conditions will not be tolerated.
Of particular concern to protestors was the apparent attempt by restaurant management to skirt the Detroit Health Department by agreeing to close voluntarily, then re-opening only hours later.
WWJ's Jon Hewett was on the scene, speaking with attendees and community leaders, including Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson, who represents District 3.
"This is egregious... a restaurant having a rat infestation, selling food," said Benson, "...closing voluntarily, and then surreptitiously opening up within hours."
Benson is currently working to pass an ordinance that would require businesses to post color-coded grades from their most recent health department inspections.
"This is all about... transparency and education," Benson said, when asked about his efforts. "The number one position and purpose of government is to protect the residents' public health, safety and welfare. And this is part of it."
Benson had previously shared a video on social media that appeared to show several rats running through the restaurant's kitchen back in August.
Teferi Brent of Dignity 4 Detroit was also present at the rally. "This is absolutely ridiculous," he said, "There wasn't just one rat. There were dozens of rats running throughout this place as if they have residence in here. It is disrespectful."
Protestors also demanded to speak to the owner. A restaurant employee said that the owner was out of town.
Lafayette was initially investigated by the Detroit Health Department on Tuesday, September 6, after officials received reports of rats from customers.
WWJ's Sandra McNeill spoke to Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo on Wednesday. "We did not find any rats," Fair Razo said, "but we did see there was multiple droppings... and that was substantial evidence that were rodents throughout the facility."
Lafayette agreed to close voluntarily, but management quickly re-opened. At that point, the health department was forced to issue a cease and desist notice, closing the restaurant until it is brought up to code.
At this time, it is unknown when the health department will return for another inspection, how long clean-up will take, or when Lafayette Coney Island will re-open.
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