Coronavirus pandemic: LA County to impose fines on business that do not comply with COVID guidelines
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County businesses will soon face penalties for ignoring public safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the motion on penalties, which would include a fine for the first time a businesses is found non-compliant. Repeated offenders could have their business permits rescinded.
Supervisors are asking county Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer to report back in 14 days with a plan for the fines, as an amount for them has not been set. The amount could vary based on occupancy and the severity of non-compliance.
The motion was co-authored by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Sheila Kuehl, who during the meeting warned that the county will take action after gathering evidence that many businesses don't follow mask or physical distancing mandates.
Last week, county health officials said 33% of restaurants and 49% of bars were not adhering to physical distancing guidelines indoors. According to the Department of Public Health, workers at 44% of restaurants and 54% of bars were found not wearing facial coverings.
Businesses such as retailers and gyms would also be subject to penalties, though its unclear when they will begin to be handed down.
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