Alabama § 22-20A-8 - Violations.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 22-20A-8 — Violations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-20A-8. Violations.
(a) Any food service establishment that violates this article or the rules adopted thereunder, after notice and a hearing, shall be subject to civil penalties. The State Health Officer shall impose these penalties on a graduated scale in accordance with the following schedule for all violations within a 24-month period:
(1) For a first offense, a written warning.
(2) For a second offense, a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
(3) For a third offense, a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(4) For a fourth offense, a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).
(5) For a fifth and any subsequent offense, a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(b) Any food service establishment that unknowingly violates this article due to a good faith reliance upon the establishment’s supplier’s attestation of the covered commodity’s country of origin shall be held harmless against penalties for a violation of this article.
(c) A food service establishment may appeal any penalty assessed pursuant to this section in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. Judicial review of a final action of the department shall be pursuant to Section 41-22-20.
(d) All fines and other monies collected pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the department and used to implement, enforce, and administer this article.
(e) The State Health Officer or Attorney General may file an action to collect any unpaid penalty levied pursuant to this section in a court of competent jurisdiction. The defendant establishment shall be liable for all costs associated with the collection of any unpaid penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 22-20A-8
What does Code of Alabama § 22-20A-8 cover?
Section 22-20A-8 ("Violations.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 22-20A-8?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 22-20A-8" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 22-20A-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.