Illegal work was not recorded in the “Pirmas blynas” restaurant, but minor violations were detected

Troubles befell the catering establishment located in the capital’s old town in February of this year, when the State Labor Inspectorate (VDI) started an investigation due to possible illegal work, possible manifestations of exploitation of disabled people were also assessed.

At that time, the owner of the restaurant was Timas Van Wijk, a Dutchman living in Lithuania 15 minutes emphasized that “we do everything according to the rules”, and the representatives of the inspection “just came to check – like other places”.

“Information not verified”

On April 2, the State Labor Inspectorate completed the investigation – the information about possible illegal work or exploitation of the disabled was not confirmed.

“Initial information about illegal work or exploitation of disabled people has not been confirmed”, – 15 minutes said inspector’s representative Jolanta Bielskienė.

However, according to her, violations were found in the restaurant due to non-reporting of employed foreigners.

As a result, a violation report was issued to the small association that manages the restaurant. This is punishable by a fine of 200 to 400 euros.

There was no mention of a penalty

The restaurant announced the completion of the investigation on Facebook on Monday, but did not mention in the post that the inspection found other violations.

“Last week, we received the decision of the State Labor Inspectorate, which shows that the ill-health mentioned in the complaint, on the basis of which the investigation was conducted, was not confirmed, and no violations were found in the employment of employees and the provision of services to persons with disabilities investigated by the VDI initiative,” the report reads.

The owner of the restaurant is T.Van Wijkas 15 minutes stated that the small association managed by him received a fine for not sending the completed form of a foreigner working in Lithuania to the State Labor Inspectorate on time.

The restaurant “Pirmas blynas” was founded in 2018, it is a social business, as the restaurant employs disabled people.

It is currently located in Svč. In the Church of the Virgin Mary the Comforter.