Local businesses suffering from illegal street food vendors

Local businesses are feeling the effects from illegal food vendors that continue to pop up and operate without proper health and safety permits.

There has been a surge of unauthorized outdoor food vendors in Mission Viejo and elsewhere throughout the state. These illegal vendors cause health and welfare issues to the public while brick-and-mortar small businesses and grocery stores are suffering from the unregulated competition.

One such vendor selling food on Alicia Parkway near Charlinda has regularly set up in front of a restaurant that serves similar fare. Because of this illegal activity, the restaurant owner told the City the vendor has "adversely impacted our sales during the evening. As a result, we've had to reduce the working hours for some of our staff… A few of them have been with [the business] for over 20 years and have families to support."

Unlike unauthorized food vendors, brick-and-mortar businesses must pay rent and utilities and at the same time they create local jobs, which spurs economic development and contributes to the lifeblood of Mission Viejo. They also work to comply with all health and sanitary requirements, whereas the unpermitted street vendors work without those valid public health permits and clearance in violation of County of Orange codes. These illegal operations are unhealthy, dangerous, and environmentally hazardous - and put small business operators at risk of losing their livelihoods.

People patronizing illegal food vendors put themselves and their loved ones at risk for food-borne illnesses and potential combustible accidents from portable compressed propane tanks. Cooking grease has been reported being disposed into storm drains, which carry the effluent to the ocean.

State laws relating to street vendors do not provide cities like Mission Viejo with local control. Pursuant to SB 946 and SB 972, the City cannot prohibit sidewalk vendors, apart from ensuring they leave a 4-foot pathway on the sidewalk for ADA. However, to legally operate, food vendors must obtain health permits and clearance from the Orange County Health Care Agency to prevent foodborne illnesses, ensure sanitary facilities with sinks and water tanks, etc.

While the City continues to work with the Orange County Health Care Agency to enforce where possible, residents can contact the health department at [email protected] or call 714-433-6000 and select "1" to speak to an operator to report unhealthy and nonconforming vendors in violation of County health regulations.