The familiar brick-faced entrance of The Lunar Rogue Pub sits uncharacteristically quiet this week. The popular Fredericton watering hole, normally buzzing with patrons, has temporarily closed its doors after provincial health inspectors discovered evidence of rodent activity during a routine inspection.
The Lunar Rogue isn’t alone. Several downtown establishments have recently faced similar closure orders, raising questions about food safety standards across New Brunswick’s capital city.
“We’re taking immediate action to address the issues identified by public health officials,” said Matt Saunders, operations manager at The Lunar Rogue, when contacted Wednesday afternoon. “The safety of our customers has always been our top priority, and we’re working around the clock to implement all recommended changes.”
According to records from New Brunswick Public Health, inspectors cited “evidence of pest activity” and “conditions that may allow the entry or harbourage of pests” among the violations that prompted the temporary closure notice issued on November 3rd.
Restaurant closures tend to ripple through communities, affecting not just business owners but servers, kitchen staff, and suppliers. Downtown Fredericton Business Association spokesperson Karen Wilson estimates the economic impact of even short-term closures can reach thousands of dollars per day for established venues.
“Each restaurant employs between 15 and 40 people depending on size,” Wilson noted. “When doors close unexpectedly, those workers face immediate income uncertainty.”
The situation highlights the delicate balance between business interests and public health priorities. Health inspector reports obtained through public records indicate that the department has conducted over 220 restaurant inspections in the Fredericton area since January, with approximately 8% resulting in critical violations requiring follow-up action.
Dr. Jennifer McKenzie, a public health physician with Horizon Health Network, emphasizes that temporary closures, while disruptive, serve an essential public safety function.
“These inspections aren’t meant to punish businesses – they’re preventative measures designed to protect community health,” McKenzie explained during a phone interview. “Rodent infestations particularly concern us because they can transmit various diseases through food contamination.”
For longtime Fredericton residents like retired teacher Michael O’Leary, the closures have sparked mixed reactions.
“I’ve been going to The Lunar Rogue for their fish and chips for nearly twenty years,” O’Leary said while walking along Queen Street. “Sure, I’m disappointed they’re closed, but I’d rather they fix whatever problems exist than risk getting sick. I’ll definitely be back when they reopen.”
City Councillor Kate Rogers noted that Fredericton’s aging downtown infrastructure presents unique challenges for pest control. Many buildings in the core date back to the 19th century, with basement foundations and utility access points that can provide entry for unwanted visitors.
“Our heritage buildings give downtown its character, but they also require vigilant maintenance,” Rogers said. “The city’s infrastructure committee is actually reviewing options to support businesses with modernizing their pest prevention systems.”
The provincial government updated its food premises inspection protocols last year, implementing a more transparent reporting system and increasing inspection frequency for establishments with previous violations. This followed recommendations from a 2021 Auditor General report that identified inconsistencies in provincial inspection practices.
Department of Health spokesperson Patricia Leger confirmed that current closures resulted from the enhanced monitoring program.
“What we’re seeing is actually the system working as designed,” Leger stated in an email. “Inspectors identify issues, businesses implement corrective measures, and follow-up inspections verify compliance before reopening.”
Local pest control companies report increased service calls from restaurants throughout the downtown core. Eastern Pest Management’s senior technician, William Foster, has worked in the industry for over a decade and suggests recent construction projects may be partly responsible.
“When you have major excavation work happening nearby, like the new provincial courthouse construction, it disrupts established rodent populations,” Foster explained. “These animals seek new shelter and food sources, often finding their way into nearby buildings.”
The Lunar Rogue management expects to reopen within days, pending a follow-up inspection. Their Instagram page shows crews performing intensive cleaning operations and structural repairs to comply with health department requirements.
Meanwhile, customers have rallied behind affected businesses on social media, with many pledging to return once doors reopen. The Downtown Fredericton Business Association has even launched a “Support Local Recovery” initiative, encouraging residents to visit reopened establishments.
As Fredericton navigates this public health challenge, the situation serves as a reminder of the complex ecosystem connecting municipal infrastructure, business operations, and community wellbeing. For now, the empty barstools at The Lunar Rogue await their regular occupants, who seem willing to forgive the temporary inconvenience in favor of long-term food safety.
“Every restaurant has off days,” said university student Emma Johnston, who frequently studies at downtown cafés. “I’m just glad the inspections caught problems before anyone got sick. That’s literally what they’re supposed to do.”
