Fines have been levied by the state against four Douglas County restaurants for food code violations.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently released information about violations found by inspectors at the following Lawrence restaurants: Imperial Garden, 2907 W. Sixth St.; Old Chicago, 2329 Iowa, and Clay’s Cafe, 1910 Haskell Ave. KDHE also found violations at Walt’s Pizza Cafe, 711 High St. in Baldwin. Business owners have the right to request hearings.

A fine of $600 was levied against Imperial Garden and Lin Wan Linn for failing to keep food at proper temperatures.

Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc., owner of Old Chicago, was fined $1,050 because employees were seen drinking and storing drinks in the food preparation area; for failing to keep food at proper temperatures; for failing to date mark ready-to-eat foods; and for failing to clean food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils.

Clay’s Cafe and owner Tod Hunter were fined $750 because employees failed to wash hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before preparing food after engaging in activities that contaminate the hands; and for failing to date mark ready-to-eat foods.

A fine of $1,000 was levied against Walt’s Pizza Cafe and owners Walt and Jennifer Faber because employees failed to wash their hands after handling soiled dishes and handling clean dishes; failing to label ready-to-eat foods with a “consume by” date; and failing to discard food within seven days from preparation.