(a) In addition to the authority provided by Sections 494 and 7403, the executive officer, in his or her discretion, may upon written notice immediately close any establishment which, upon completion of an inspection, is found to have health and safety violations of such a severe nature as to pose an immediate threat to public health and safety.

(b) The executive officer shall issue a written notice of suspension of the establishment license including the grounds therefor and a notice of closure. The notice of closure shall be posted at the establishment so as to be clearly visible to the general public and to patrons.

(c) Upon issuance of the written notice of suspension of the establishment license, the establishment shall immediately close to the general public and to patrons and shall discontinue all operations until the suspension has been vacated by the executive officer, the suspension expires, is superseded by an order issued under the authority of Section 494, or until the establishment no longer operates under this chapter.

(d) (1) Before issuing a suspension order under this section, the executive officer shall, if practical, give the establishment notice and an opportunity to be heard. If no hearing is provided prior to the issuance of the suspension order, the establishment may request one after the suspension has been issued.

(2) Notice and hearing under this section may be oral or written, including notice and hearing by telephone, facsimile transmission, or other electronic means as the circumstances permit.

(e) Upon correction of violations the establishment may request that the written notice of suspension be terminated. The executive officer shall conduct an inspection within 48 hours to determine whether the written notice of suspension may be terminated. If the written notice of suspension is not terminated upon inspection for failure of the establishment to correct violations, a charge of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be imposed for each subsequent inspection under this section.

(f) The notice of suspension shall remain posted until removed by the executive officer, but shall be in effect for no longer than 30 days. Removal of the notice of suspension by any person other than the executive officer or designated representative, or the refusal of an establishment to close upon issuance of the written notice of suspension of the establishment license is a violation of this chapter and may result in any sanctions authorized by this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 788, Sec. 61. Effective January 1, 2004.)