County health inspectors issue warnings to Palm Springs street food vendors following resident reports

Riverside County health inspectors joined Palm Springs Code Compliance officers to hand out warnings to local street food vendors over the weekend.

Driving the news: Several street vendors who were stationed outside of Walmart on Saturday were approached by county health inspectors after residents reported the vendors to the city and county. 

• David Recio, the city’s code compliance supervisor, said residents were concerned that the street vendors didn’t have permits or met health standards. 

What they did: Code compliance contacted six street vendors who lacked either a city business license or did not have a county health department permit to operate. 

• Rather than being fined, the vendors received a warning, as well as educational information about how to get the correct permits.

What they’re saying: “The vendors were informed that operations must cease and desist until the proper licenses and permits are obtained,” Recio said, “including approval of the type of stations that were being used to prepare/cook food.”

Looking ahead: Changes may be coming for street vendors. The City Council has discussed adding new regulations for the food stands and easing food truck restrictions. 

• The Council is expected to take up the issue of street food regulations at its June 5 meeting, but the agenda won’t be released until next week.

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