SANTA ANA : Ruling Delayed in Suit Seeking to Overturn Food Vendor Law
An Orange County Superior Court judge has delayed his decision on whether to strike down a strict new city ordinance regulating mobile vendors of food.
On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Ronald L. Bauer heard arguments from attorneys and continued until May 16 a hearing on a lawsuit filed by six vendors to overturn the ordinance.
The vendors contend that the new law is unconstitutionally restrictive and would force them out of business, said attorney Richard R. Therrien, who represents them.
The law was passed in October but is not being enforced pending the outcome of the lawsuit.
The ordinance prohibits food vendors from remaining in any location for more than 30 minutes, parking within 500 feet of schools, parks, recreation areas and other vending vehicles, and within 200 feet of intersections.
The law also requires vendors to have $1-million insurance policies and includes licensing and safety provisions. Violations of the law are misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
City officials have said that the ordinance is required to increase traffic safety and ensure fair competition among city businesses.
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