The Med Grill Mosaic restaurant on Fort Street has been closed by a bailiff for non-payment of rent, according to a statement taped to its front door.
B.C.'s Employment Standards Branch has received complaints from employees and is investigating, a Ministry of Labour official said yesterday.
No further details were available.
Rent of $18,000 is owed and the locks have been changed at the 1063 Fort St. eatery, an April 15 statement from Victoria Bailiffs said. The bailiff is acting on behalf of the landlord, Mosaic Properties Inc.
The bailiff notice is addressed to Med Grill Mosaic Ltd. and Roy Vollinger, who could not be reached yesterday.
B.C. Corporate Registry records state that as of April 15, Jillian Thiebert of Oak Bay is the restaurant company's sole director.
In December, Thiebert became a director and Syd Gabriel, also listed at the same address, ceased to be a director.
Restaurateur Paul Simpson was at one time president of the company, but his name had been removed as a director in December, records show.
Simpson said while he was a minority shareholder he had not been involved in the restaurant for close to two years, had resigned as a director and had not wanted to remain a part-owner.
Recent involvement included one meeting with the landlord to try to extend the lease, he said. Other meetings were held, but Simpson said he did not participate.
The rent issue is tied in with an issue with the landlord over the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, he said.
Simpson said he understands that staff will be paid.
