SEC. 625.5. ENFORCEMENT.

   (a)   As stated in Health Code Section 581, a violation of the cleaning or disinfecting standards established under Section 625.3 shall be considered a nuisance under Section 581, or any successor provision.

   (b)   The Department shall have authority to enforce Section 625.3 under Health Code Sections 594, 595, 596, 596.5, 599, 600, and 610, including by issuance of an order of closure as provided by Health Code Section 596(i)(6), or any successor provision.

   (c)   Any Employee or former Employee may bring a civil action in the San Francisco Superior Court for a violation of Section 625.4, and may be awarded:

      (1)   All actual damages (including, but not limited to, lost pay and benefits) suffered by the Employee, or statutory damages in the sum of $1,000, for each violation whichever is greater; and

      (2)   Exemplary damages, as authorized under California Civil Code Section 3294, or any successor provision; and

      (3)   The court shall award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to an Employee who prevails in any such enforcement action.

   (d)   Nothing in this Article 11B shall preclude an employee from bringing a civil action for an alleged violation of this Article, where such civil action is otherwise recognized under the law.

(Added by Ord. 208-20, File No. 200764, App. 10/9/2020, Eff. 11/9/2020)