King County, California — Restaurants across King County are preparing for stricter enforcement measures beginning in 2026. Local officials announced a new policy connecting workplace violations to consumer transparency. The move highlights a growing emphasis on holding businesses accountable for labor violations, similar to practices already adopted in Santa Clara and San Diego counties.
New Requirement for Restaurants With Labor Violations
Starting in August 2026, restaurants in King County with unresolved labor violations must post these infractions publicly, alongside their food safety ratings. This mandate applies to businesses with unpaid fines or unresolved cases after the appeals process.
In addition, these establishments will be subject to more frequent health inspections until the violations are resolved. Records from Labor and Industries reveal that between July 2020 and June 2024, roughly 15 restaurants per year were referred to collections for unpaid fines.
While labor advocates supported the change, some industry representatives raised concerns about mixing labor oversight with health department responsibilities.
Legal Protections for Workers Facing Wage and Safety Issues
California law already provides strong protections against labor violations, and similar measures have been tested in counties like Santa Clara and San Diego. Workers who experience unpaid wages, unsafe conditions, or retaliation have legal avenues available, including:
- Filing a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
- Reporting workplace safety issues to Cal/OSHA.
- Seeking damages for retaliation or wrongful termination.
- Class actions when multiple employees are affected by systemic violations.
These protections are designed to safeguard fair pay and safe and respectful workplace conditions for employees across industries.
Get Guidance From an Employment Lawyer Today
If you are a worker in California facing labor violations, you do not need to navigate the process alone. Our skilled employment lawyers in San Diego and throughout California can help you understand your rights, pursue claims for unpaid wages, and defend you against retaliation. We offer free consultations to review your case and guide you toward the best legal options.
Contact us today to speak with an employment lawyer and protect your rights.
