Police and health inspectors shut down a Cala Millor restaurant over worker exploitation and hygiene failures
A joint police, labour and health operation shut down an unnamed restaurant in Cala Millor on 23 July 2026, citing serious hygiene failures and evidence that workers, including three without legal status, were being exploited and housed on site. The closure is provisional, with the owners given 10 days to fix the violations, and the restaurant's manager disputes the findings.
A joint operation by Spain's National Police, the Sant Llorenç des Cardassar local police, and inspectors from the Balearic government's labour, health and housing departments shut down a restaurant in Cala Millor on Thursday, 23 July 2026, citing serious food-safety failures and evidence that workers were being exploited. Ultima Hora and the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported the closure without naming the business.
Of 15 workers found on site, three had no legal right to work in Spain and face deportation proceedings, according to Forbes España. The remaining 12 were registered as part-time staff but were, inspectors found, working 13-hour shifts seven days a week with no time off; a separate investigation into potential crimes against workers' rights has been opened. Inspectors also found nine rooms where staff were living on the premises, shared, without private bathrooms or ventilation, and located next to the kitchen and food-storage areas.
On the food-safety side, inspectors found the restaurant wasn't maintaining the cold chain and wasn't properly separating products during storage and preparation, according to okdiario. The closure is provisional: owners have 10 days to fix the violations before the restaurant can reopen, and administrative penalties apply regardless of whether they do.
The restaurant's manager disputed the findings the following day. Speaking to Ultima Hora, he said the real problem was a broken dishwasher awaiting a spare part, that staff worked with a midday break rather than 13 hours straight, and that the rooms inspectors flagged were for staff rest rather than permanent housing. A current employee, he added, backed up his account of the shift pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at the Cala Millor restaurant?
A joint operation by police, labour, health and housing inspectors ordered its immediate, provisional closure on 23 July 2026 after finding evidence of worker exploitation and serious food-safety failures.
What violations did inspectors find?
Twelve workers registered as part-time but reportedly working 13-hour days, seven days a week; three workers without legal status to work in Spain; nine substandard shared rooms where staff were living on site; and failures to maintain the cold chain or separate food properly during storage and prep.
Is the restaurant closed for good?
No. The closure is provisional. Owners have 10 days to fix the violations before they can reopen, though administrative penalties still apply regardless.
What does the restaurant say in response?
The manager told Ultima Hora the accusations were false, saying the closure was really about a broken dishwasher, that shifts included a midday break rather than running 13 hours straight, and that the rooms in question were for staff rest, not housing.
Where is the restaurant?
In Cala Millor, in the municipality of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, on Mallorca's east coast. Press reports have not named the business.