Café owner puzzled why three labour inspectors turned up for a check
A Latvian café manager asked on social media why three State Labour Inspectorate officials visited her small business in the evening. The law sets no specific number of inspectors and does not prohibit evening checks.
A manager of a small café, Kristīne, has shared on the social media platform Threads her experience of an inspection by the State Labour Inspectorate (VDI) at her business. According to her, three inspectors arrived at the café at 8:30 p.m., and she asks whether one or two officials could have carried out the check. The VDI is the state body that supervises compliance with employment and workplace safety requirements.
The owner's questions
Kristīne says she understands the need for inspections, including checks on whether anyone is employed illegally. However, she wants to understand how the state plans its resources, since a small business must count every euro and carefully plan employees' hours. She also asks whether the evening visit fell within the inspectors' regular working hours or was paid overtime, adding that there may be a justified reason for the number of inspectors.
Views in the comments
Users on the platform offered differing opinions. Rita believes there is no reason for concern if everything is in order. Elīna suggests that having several inspectors present may reduce the risk of dishonest conduct, as each is accountable for what they confirm. Justīne recalls a "four-eyes principle" and says a third inspector might be in training. Laima, meanwhile, considers such a check and its timing unremarkable, since many businesses operate late.
What the law says
The State Labour Inspectorate Law gives VDI officials, upon showing their service ID, the right to visit and inspect businesses without prior notice at any time of day when activity is taking place. Inspectors may examine work processes, the working environment and occupational safety measures, question employers and employees, and request documents.
The law does not set a specific number of inspectors for a check, but allows specialists to be brought in for particular tasks. A check at 8:30 p.m. is therefore not in itself contrary to the law. Why exactly three inspectors took part in this case and how their working time was organised cannot be established from the law alone.
