Illegal Food Vendors Will be Cited During Old Spanish Days

Santa Barbara Police say health issues from illegal street vendors selling food items have led to an increase in their enforcement plan for Old Spanish Days.

Those selling, sometimes the most enticing bacon wrapped hot dogs, will be cited or even have their carts confiscated by officials.

Vending without a permit is not allowed in the city.

In the case of food sellers, health permits are required, along with other approvals.

Old Spanish Days runs two mercados and those operating food booths there have to abide by strict rules for sanitation and food quality. Outside free style vendors are not only considered risky, they cut into the business for the downtown Fiesta food vendors, many who are non profit organizations. There’s also a consideration for existing restaurants mainly in the State Street corridor.

The city is also going to encourage those selling confetti eggs to keep a large space available for pedestrians on the sidewalk.

While some rules will be strictly enforced, timed parking spots in some of the core downtown areas will be relaxed with no citations issued during the parade on Friday August 5.

Santa Barbara Police News Release:

Community: Illegal Food Vendor Enforcement during Fiesta

Due to public health concerns stemming from the increasing presence of illegal food vendors around the Old Spanish Days Fiesta parades and venues, the Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will be strictly enforcing state and local ordinances pertaining to roving food vending during this year’s Fiesta. Violators may be arrested or cited and may have their property, including money, seized as evidence of their illegal activity.

The following is a summary of some of the ordinances that will be enforced; for full descriptions please refer to the respective codes.

Santa Barbara Municipal Code 5.32.040, Permit Required

It shall be unlawful for any peddler or solicitor to peddle or solicit within the City without a permit issued by the Tax and Permit Inspector.

Santa Barbara County Code of Ordinances Section 16-23, Health Permit Required

No person shall conduct, operate, or open to the public any business, occupation, activity, or vending machine, whether or not at a fixed location, without having first obtained a Health Permit.

California Retail Food Code (Health & Safety Code) 114381(a), Permits

A food facility shall not be open for business without a valid permit.

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Community: Parking Enforcement During the Fiesta Historical Parade

To accommodate the needs of spectators at the Fiesta Historical Parade, the Santa Barbara Police Department will suspend enforcement of 75 and 90-minute curb parking on Friday, August 5, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the areas bounded by the following streets (including the perimeter streets). This does not apply to City parking lots.

Above the freeway: Valerio Street on the north, Bath Street on the west, and Laguna Street on the east.

Below the freeway: Cabrillo Boulevard on the south, Castillo Street on the west, and Garden Street on the east.

All other parking regulations will be enforced.