Iqaluit (Mar 03/03) - A popular Iqaluit eatery was ordered to close on Feb. 21 because of numerous violations against the territory's fire code.

The closure is the second of its kind for the Kamotiq restaurant. In March 2002, the restaurant was closed after inspectors found 58 violations of fire, health and electrical codes.

No details are currently being released about the charges related to the latest closure.

"We will not comment on anything that's before the courts," said Nuanvut's Fire Marshall Gerald Pickett.

The restaurant faces three charges: failure to comply with order of the fire marshall, failure to correct deficiencies and failure to comply with closure.

When the Kamotiq restaurant was ordered to close on Feb. 21, it did not. Owners kept the restaurant open throughout the weekend and finally closed the doors Monday morning.

Any establishment which defies a closure order could be fined $500 for each day it stays open.

Management for the Kamotiq Restaurant will make their first appearance in court on March 21.