Perth Restaurant Fined $40k: Children Served Citronella Instead of Cranberry Juice - Full Story (2026)

A terrifying mistake at a Perth restaurant has resulted in a hefty fine, leaving many shocked and questioning the safety of dining out. But was this incident an isolated error or a symptom of a larger issue? Two young girls' lives were put at risk when they were accidentally served citronella torch and lamp oil, mistaking it for cranberry juice.

In a bizarre and potentially deadly mix-up, Hannah and Olivia Lemin, aged 12 and 11, were served a dangerous cocktail instead of their requested beverage at Miky's Italian Fusion restaurant. This incident has led to a $40,000 fine for the former owner, Michele Angiuli, and the closure of the establishment.

The family's evening out took a terrifying turn when the girls complained that their drinks tasted strange. Unbeknownst to them, a bartender had mistakenly given them the citronella solution, which is used to repel insects. And here's where it gets truly concerning... The girls' parents, Marcus and Michele Lemin, initially dismissed their complaints, thinking it was just a joke.

But when the parents took a sip, they realized something was terribly wrong. Marcus Lemin's quick thinking led him to confront the staff, who tried to downplay the situation. And this is the part most people miss: the staff's initial reluctance to reveal the bottle could have had dire consequences.

The family rushed the girls to the hospital, where they were treated for stomach pain and tingling sensations. The incident sparked a health department investigation, which revealed a lack of proper management and food safety certifications at the restaurant.

Magistrate Donna Webb's verdict highlighted the owner's negligence and the restaurant's overall non-compliance with regulations. The former owner's lawyer argued that his client had already suffered significant consequences, losing his business and livelihood.

This incident raises important questions about food safety and accountability in the hospitality industry. Was this a freak accident, or is it indicative of systemic issues? Should there be stricter regulations and penalties to prevent such incidents? The public is left wondering if they can trust restaurants to prioritize their safety.

What do you think? Is this fine a sufficient consequence, or should there be further repercussions? Share your thoughts on this controversial case and the broader implications for the hospitality industry.

Perth Restaurant Fined $40k: Children Served Citronella Instead of Cranberry Juice - Full Story (2026)

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