The Merchant Ale House

Inspection summary

The Merchant Ale House has been inspected 6 times by Niagara Region Public Health since November 22, 2024. The most recent inspection, on July 19, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

4 of 6 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Protecting food from contamination and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

• Food temperature controlHigher risk

  Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

  Recorded once on July 19, 2026. For example: Hot holding is adequate and maintained at 60°C (140°F) or higher.

• Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

  This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

  Recorded once on July 19, 2026. For example: Food is protected from potential contamination (e.g. food covered, labelled, off floor, sneeze guard).

• Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

  Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

  Recorded once on August 14, 2025. For example: Mechanical dishwashing is properly constructed, designed and maintained.

• Equipment and utensilsLower risk

  Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 19, 2026. For example: Surfaces which come in contact with food are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

• Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

  Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

  Recorded once on August 14, 2025. For example: Floors, walls and ceiling are well maintained and in good repair.

About this data

These results come from Niagara Region Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

• View the official Niagara Region Public Health disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Niagara Region
• How to read an inspection report