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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

71 Charles St

Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

11 inspections

Inspection

Aug 18, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The PIC stated the server asked the customer whether she had any food allergens and the customer identified sesame as an allergen. The PIC stated that the staff member documented the allergen on the ticket but did not communicate the information to the manager or chef on duty. Proper allergen procedures were not followed. Ensure all staff members are knowledgeable on the proper procedures for allergen awareness.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 18, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 17, 2026

Failed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The PIC stated the server asked the customer whether she had any food allergens and the customer identified sesame as an allergen. The PIC stated that the staff member documented the allergen on the ticket but did not communicate the information to the manager or chef on duty. Proper allergen procedures were not followed. Ensure all staff members are knowledgeable on the proper procedures for allergen awareness.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 17, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 14, 2026

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 14, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 27, 2026

Passed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

After discussion with the person in charge there are items on the menus that can be served undercooked or raw and do not have the reminder * on the menu items either online or on the printed menus; provide an * on menu items that can be served raw or undercooked.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Establishment's irreversible thermometer turns off when put inside warewashing machine; repair or replace.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

The rear patio door remained propped open during the entire inspection; outer doors should be closed or have some sort of protection to prevent pest entry.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

At the rear sink in the kitchen there is no handwashing signage; provide.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 27, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 20, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

After discussion with the person in charge there are items on the menus that can be served undercooked or raw and do not have the reminder * on the menu items either online or on the printed menus; provide an * on menu items that can be served raw or undercooked.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Establishment's irreversible thermometer turns off when put inside warewashing machine; repair or replace.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

The rear patio door remained propped open during the entire inspection; outer doors should be closed or have some sort of protection to prevent pest entry.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

At the rear sink in the kitchen there is no handwashing signage; provide.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 20, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 18, 2026

Passed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Please post allergen and chokesafe certification Ensure the staff is properly trained on setting up the 3 bay sink. Ensure the drains are working properly so that the staff member can properly set up the 3 bay sink.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dishmachine (W) 152 (R) 150. Contact licensed person to repair the temperatures.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed worn and scored cutting boards. Resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

The 3 bay sink is not able to close the drains on the 1st bay (Wash) and 3rd bay (Sanitizer). Repair both drains. Please use the middle bay for sanitizing until the high temp dishmachine is repaired. The toliet in the staff bathroom on the 2nd floor is not working. Contact licensed plumber to repair the toliet.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 18, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 11, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Please post allergen and chokesafe certification Ensure the staff is properly trained on setting up the 3 bay sink. Ensure the drains are working properly so that the staff member can properly set up the 3 bay sink.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dishmachine (W) 152 (R) 150. Contact licensed person to repair the temperatures.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed worn and scored cutting boards. Resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

The 3 bay sink is not able to close the drains on the 1st bay (Wash) and 3rd bay (Sanitizer). Repair both drains. Please use the middle bay for sanitizing until the high temp dishmachine is repaired. The toliet in the staff bathroom on the 2nd floor is not working. Contact licensed plumber to repair the toliet.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 11, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 22, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Font size too small on menu consumer advisory. Provide font size 11 or above.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.009(E)Other

Official wording

Anti-Choking

Inspector’s notes

No choke save certificate. Provide. (A) Anti-choking Procedures in Food Service Establishments. (1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D restaurants with a certain seating capacity are required to have one or more employees trained in a manual choke-saving procedure in accordance with 105 CMR 605.000: Approved Choke-saving Procedures. (2) Each food service establishment with a seating capacity that conforms with M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D shall: (a) Have on its premises while food is being served an employee trained in manual procedures approved by the Department to remove food lodged in a person's throat; and (b) Make adequate provision for insurance to cover employees trained in rendering such assistance.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 22, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 14, 2025

Failed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Font size too small on menu consumer advisory. Provide font size 11 or above.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.009(E)Other

Official wording

Anti-Choking

Inspector’s notes

No choke save certificate. Provide. (A) Anti-choking Procedures in Food Service Establishments. (1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D restaurants with a certain seating capacity are required to have one or more employees trained in a manual choke-saving procedure in accordance with 105 CMR 605.000: Approved Choke-saving Procedures. (2) Each food service establishment with a seating capacity that conforms with M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D shall: (a) Have on its premises while food is being served an employee trained in manual procedures approved by the Department to remove food lodged in a person's throat; and (b) Make adequate provision for insurance to cover employees trained in rendering such assistance.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 14, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 10, 2024

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 10, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 31, 2023

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2023 · Original Source

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