Suspension or revocation of permit; reinstatement of suspended permit; hearing.
1. Permits issued under the provisions of this chapter may be suspended temporarily by the health authority for failure of the holder to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
2. Whenever a permit holder or operator has failed to comply with any notice issued under the provisions of this chapter, the permit holder or operator must be notified in writing that the permit is, upon service of the notice, immediately suspended or that the establishment is downgraded if that is the case. The notice must also contain a statement informing the permit holder or operator that an opportunity for a hearing will be provided if a written request for a hearing is filed by him with the health authority.
3. Whenever the health authority finds an insanitary or other condition in the operation of a food establishment which, in his judgment, constitutes a substantial hazard to the public health, he may without warning, notice or hearing issue a written order to the permit holder or operator citing the condition, specifying the corrective action to be taken, and specifying the time within which the action must be taken. The order may state that the permit is immediately suspended and all food operations must be immediately discontinued. Any person to whom such an order is issued shall comply with it immediately. Upon written petition to the health authority, the person must be afforded a hearing as soon as possible.
4. Any person whose permit has been suspended may, at any time, make application for a reinspection for reinstatement of the permit. Within 10 days following receipt of a written request, including a statement signed by the applicant that in his opinion the conditions causing suspension of the permit have been corrected, the health authority shall make a reinspection. If the applicant is complying with the requirements of this chapter, the permit must be reinstated.
5. For serious or repeated violations of any of the requirements of this chapter or for interference with the health authority in the performance of his duties, the permit may be permanently revoked after an opportunity for a hearing has been provided by the health authority. Before taking such an action, the health authority shall notify the permit holder in writing, stating the reasons for which the permit is subject to revocation and advising the permit holder of the requirements for filing a request for a hearing. A permit may be suspended for cause pending its revocation or a hearing relative thereto.
6. The health authority may permanently revoke a permit after 5 days following service of the notice unless a request for a hearing is filed with the health authority by the permit holder within 5 days.
7. The hearings provided for in this section must be conducted by the health authority at a time and place designated by him. Based upon the record of the hearing, the health authority shall make a finding and may sustain, modify or rescind any official notice or order considered in the hearing. A written report of the hearing decision must be furnished to the permit holder by the health authority.
Last modified: February 26, 2006