Swiss Bar Owner Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Fraud, Unsanitary Conditions, and Worker Exploitation
A Swiss entrepreneur is facing renewed scrutiny following reports of unsanitary conditions, alleged labor violations, and a questionable investigation into a fire at one of his establishments. The case, centered around Jacques Moretti and his former bar in Lens, Switzerland, reveals a pattern of alleged misconduct stretching back to at least 2019.
Shocking Conditions Uncovered in 2022 Health Inspection
In April 2022, a Department of Health inspection of Moretti’s bar, known as The Constellation, revealed deeply disturbing conditions. According to a report filed by the inspector, “Almost all the food had expired, the basket was open at the height of the tea bag, the sandwich bread was placed directly on the counter (really sticky), [and] the champagne bucket was full of floating cigarette butts.” The inspector further detailed finding “stagnant, brownish water” in the kitchen sink, adding, “I don’t want to ruin your appetite at 11 in the morning!” Photographic evidence accompanied the report. Inspectors also discovered substandard alcoholic beverages being sold in bottles labeled as premium brands.
Allegations of Worker Abuse and Fraud
The unsanitary conditions weren’t the only concerns raised. In 2022, an employee came forward with allegations of widespread labor violations. The employee reported to the department inspector that some workers were not properly registered, while others experienced contract terminations and reinstatements designed to obscure their employment status.
“The working hours are excessive and unpaid,” the employee stated. “The staff are no longer paid after 2 [a.m.], yet the company forces the staff to stay in the office much longer than closing time, until three or four.” The employee further alleged that staff were compelled to sign false time sheets, sometimes working “up to seven weeks without days off.” Additionally, workers were reportedly declared as partially unemployed despite working full-time hours, constituting “a fraud against the Swiss Confederation.” The employee also cited the abusive use of surveillance cameras and “harassment via messages 7 days a week.” Staff were allegedly forced to sign false advances to cover company expenses, facing dismissal for refusal.
Fire Investigation Raises Further Questions
The situation came under further scrutiny following a fire at the former Café des Amis in Lens on February 29, 2024. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze. Moretti subsequently claimed he had been painting the upper floor alone and using a small portable heater to warm the rooms. The investigation was quickly closed with no injuries reported. However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the absence of controls over materials used inside the establishment. A request for archiving by prosecutors, conducted without any oversight of the materials, effectively sealed the investigation.
The case highlights potential systemic issues in oversight and enforcement, raising questions about the accountability of business owners and the protection of workers’ rights in Switzerland.
