Ashtrays in smoke-free area Tobacco use, eating, or drinking from open container in food preparation, food storage or — NYC Health Violation 15F1
Violation code 15F1 covers smoking and ventilation violations in food preparation areas, including ashtrays in smoke-free zones, tobacco use near food, missing no-smoking signage, and inadequate ventilation systems. NYC DOHMH classifies this as a major violation because tobacco contamination and poor ventilation create conditions for bacterial growth and pest activity, with studies showing a 25% increase in foodborne illness risk. Restaurants cited for 15F1 must correct the violation within 24–48 hours; the violation has been cited 11 times across NYC, most frequently in Queens.
What is Violation 15F1?
Ashtrays in smoke-free area Tobacco use, eating, or drinking from open container in food preparation, food storage or dishwashing area observed. Sign prohibiting smoking or using electronic cigarettes not conspicuously posted Workplace SFAA policy not prominently posted in workplace Pesticide use not in accordance with label or applicable laws. Prohibited chemical used/stored. Open bait station used. Mechanical or natural ventilation system not provided, improperly installed, in disrepair and/or fails to prevent excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation vapors, odors, smoke, and
Follow NYC Health Code Article 81 requirements. Implement corrective action immediately. Document all corrections. Train staff on proper procedures. Schedule follow-up inspection if critical.
Which Boroughs See Violation 15F1 Most?
Restaurants Cited for Violation 15F1 (11 total)
Related General Violation Violations
Violation 15F1: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is violation 15F1 in NYC restaurants?
- Ashtrays in smoke-free area Tobacco use, eating, or drinking from open container in food preparation, food storage or dishwashing area observed. Sign prohibiting smoking or using electronic cigarettes not conspicuously posted Workplace SFAA policy not prominently posted in workplace Pesticide use not in accordance with label or applicable laws. Prohibited chemical used/stored. Open bait station used. Mechanical or natural ventilation system not provided, improperly installed, in disrepair and/or fails to prevent excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation vapors, odors, smoke, and fumes.
- How serious is violation 15F1?
- Major violation. CONTAMINATION RISK: This violation supports conditions allowing bacterial growth and pest activity. Ashtrays in smoke-free area Tobacco use, violations associated with 25% increase in illness risk. Correction required within 24-48 hours.
- How many NYC restaurants have been cited for violation 15F1?
- 11 NYC restaurant inspections have included violation 15F1, representing 0.01% of all inspections with violations.
- Which borough has the most violation 15F1 citations?
- Queens has the highest number of violation 15F1 citations among NYC boroughs.
- What must a restaurant do to fix violation 15F1?
- Follow NYC Health Code Article 81 requirements. Implement corrective action immediately. Document all corrections. Train staff on proper procedures. Schedule follow-up inspection if critical.
- Is violation 15F1 a critical violation?
- No, violation 15F1 is classified as a major violation. However, all violations must be corrected to maintain a passing health grade.