RIVERSIDE – A former exotic dancer for a Santa Barbara adult entertainment club alleges she was only compensated through tips during her employment. She has filed a class-action suit.
Lauren Byrne filed a complaint on behalf of all others similarly situated on March 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Santa Barbara Hospitality Services Inc., The Spearmint Rhino Cos. Worldwide Inc., Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide Inc., and Santa Barbara Hospitality Services LLC citing the Fair Labor Standards Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that she worked for the defendants from Sept. 19 to Oct. 23, 2016. The plaintiff holds Santa Barbara Hospitality Services Inc., The Spearmint Rhino Cos. Worldwide Inc., Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide Inc., and Santa Barbara Hospitality Services LLC responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to pay a minimum wage, failed to pay overtime wages, failed to provide meal and rest periods and failed to keep adequate records.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks injunction against the defendant, damages, all unpaid wages, statutory penalties, all legal fees, interest and any other relief as the court deems just. She is represented by Melinda Arbuckle of Baron & Budd PC in Encino.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Eastern Division Case number 5:17-cv-00527-SVW-SP