McNeil's Inc. v. Contractors' State License Board

Plaintiffs appeal from a judgment denying a peremptory writ in a mandamus proceeding to review the decision of the Registrar of Contractors revoking their licenses.

The license issued to plaintiff McNeil’s Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Corporation, was revoked upon a finding of cause for disciplinary action under sections 7109, 7110 and 7116 of the Business and Professions Code; and the license issued to plaintiff Harold E. McNeil, hereinafter referred to as McNeil, who was vice president and responsible managing officer of the corporation, was revoked under section 7122.5 of the Business and Professions Code.

The Corporation installed a 3-ineh gas line under á plumbing subcontract. The governing city plumbing ordinance required approval of newly installed gas lines by the plumbing inspector before use; and, as a condition to approval, required a 24-hour gauge test showing constant pressure, which would indicate the absence of any leak in the line. Upon completion of the installation in question a preliminary test by the Corporation showed leaks in the line. A subsequent official test purportedly showed the absence of any leaks. The gauge used in making the latter test…