Jun. 14, 2005 - The Travelodge motel, 1949 N. Ninth, has been fined $8,000 by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for operating a continental breakfast service without a food-service license.

The business was issued a $500 fine in January for the same violation of the Kansas Food Code. According to the legal order provided to the Salina Journal at the time of that first fine, the service had operated without a valid license since Aug. 10.

Management at the Travelodge did not return phone calls seeking comment on Tuesday.

Sharon Watson, spokeswoman for KDHE, said an application for a license was left at the business, and a letter was sent to the business reminding them to get a license.

"We did not get an application from them and they did not proceed with a license," Watson said.

Watson said that is why the fine was issued. She said the $8,000 amounts to $1,000 for each month the business has operated the service without a license.

It is illegal to operate a food establishment in Kansas without a license.

The business has the right to appeal the fine and request a hearing.

She said the cost of obtaining a food-service license in Salina is $200, and there is also a $200 application fee.

In addition to the fee, Watson said, KDHE is also asking for a court injunction that would require the Travelodge to quit operating the food service aspect of the business until it obtains a license.

Watson said that case is pending in Saline County District Court.

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