In response to an incident where 3 cockroaches were spotted at a restaurant, a spokesperson from NEA says licensees who fail to keep their premises pest-free can be fined and issued demerit points.

In the incident, STOMPer bumblerblee's Christmas dinner at Orchard Central with her girlfriends was marred by the appearance of three uninvited 'guests'.

The spokesperson from NEA says:

"We refer to the STOMP posting, 'Girls' Christmas get-together ruined by not 1 but 3 cockroaches at restaurant' on Dec 30 2011.

"The National Environment Agency (NEA) takes a serious view of the cleanliness and hygiene conditions of a food establishment as they can impact both public health and food safety.

"A licensee who fails to keep his premises free of pests will be subjected to a fine of $400 and six demerit points.

"Upon accumulation of 12 demerit points in 12 months, the licence will be suspended for two weeks and all registered food handlers are required to attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course again before they are allowed to return to work.

"We would like to invite STOMPer bumblerblee to provide details of the said food establishment for our follow-up by calling our 24-hour Call Centre at 1800 -CALL NEA (1800 -2255 632).

"We thank her for the feedback."