EVERETT, FEB. 13: A law approved Wednesday night will allow Everett to enforce criminal penalties on unlicensed mobile food vendors within the city.
Law enforcement is now able to fine or arrest vendors operating without a city business license and or county health permit. Officers would also be able to confiscate equipment.
“The operation of unpermitted food vendors undermines compliance with established food-safety and licensing requirements, creates unfair competition for properly permitted vendors, diminishes incentives to adhere to rigorous health standards, and poses a risk to public health and safety,” the law reads.
Employees could see a maximum of 90 days in jail with a $1,000 fine if determined to be working for a vendor with incorrect permitting. As for employers, they would be charged with a gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
However, rarely does anyone see a maximum sentence and fine, Assistant City Attorney Lacy Offutt said during a briefing on the law last month.
The city will implement a uniform protocol for police officers on how to approach and educate unlicensed food vendors, Offutt said.
Education on correct permitting and regulations would take precedence before enforcement, city officials said.
The issue of unpermitted food vendors is one that Washington state has been trying to address for the last few years. In 2022, there were 16 Unpermitted Roadside Stand Food Complaints made in Snohomish County. Last year, the number rose to 203.
The Snohomish County Food Safety Program, operated by the county health department, can investigate complaints and deliver cease and desist notices, but lacks enforcement authority, Jeff Hodson, health department communications manager wrote in an email.
The passing of the law on Wednesday represents the first in the county to address enforcement and regulation on unlicensed food vendors. Snohomish County is currently in talks about a similar law.
“We understand that addressing this issue requires new and continued action and collaboration among the health department, other county departments, law enforcement and local jurisdictions. We applaud the City of Everett for making a positive, meaningful contribution toward addressing this issue,” the health department said in a statement.
Councilmember Ben Zarlingo requested a follow up on the laws’ effectiveness in the next few months.
