LONG BEACH, CA — After almost two years of research and outreach, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved a new city ordinance regulating sidewalk food vending.
The new ordinance will go into effect starting Feb. 23 and outlines permit, food safety and location requirements.
“As we grow Long Beach, it’s imperative to find ways to expand business opportunities in the city,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This new ordinance will open a new avenue of opportunities for small businesses while prioritizing public health, accessibility and safety.”
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A business license and sidewalk vending permit are required for all vendors and most vendors will also need a City Health Permit. To offset costs in the first year of the new ordinance, the Long Beach Recovery Act will fund a Sidewalk Vending Program that will be available for insurance, business license and health permit fees.
Food safety regulations got much stricter under the new ordinance to ensure all sidewalk vendors operate in a way that follows all proper food hygiene and safety rules. Food must be sold from a cart that includes all of the required elements including refrigeration, sinks and waste.
The city also detailed specific requirements to protect the sidewalk right-of-way for pedestrians and ensure ADA accessibility.
After enforcement begins, the city will work with vendors to provide updates and will take an education-first approach whenever possible, officials said.
“The fruition of this long-awaited ordinance is a significant and historical milestone in the City of Long Beach,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.
For more information about specific requirements, visit the city’s website.
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