Pushcart Vending Ban Will Be Considered

Because of concerns about litter, noise and public health, the City Council next week may ban pushcart sales and sidewalk vending.

Though food carts are part of the urban scene--hot dogs in New York, pretzels in Philadelphia, tacos in Tijuana--some city officials say they are inappropriate in suburban Costa Mesa.

“It’s a business operating in a neighborhood, and that isn’t what neighborhoods are for,” Councilman Joe Erickson said. “What we are trying to do is clean up our city and improve our neighborhoods. If pushcarts proved to be a liability, which they have, they shouldn’t be allowed.”

Residents have complained to city officials that vendors use annoying bells and horns to hawk food and other products and that customers litter streets and private property with ice-cream sticks, corncobs, mango peels and food wrappers. Critics also have said the vendors pose dangers to pedestrians, cars and children who chase after the carts for ice cream and other treats.

Another issue is whether food is prepared under sanitary conditions. A city report said lack of care could be a “significant threat to public health.”

Code enforcement officers have filed reports of cream cheese mixes prepared in sinks and bathtubs, mayonnaise left without refrigeration, poorly wrapped cotton candy and unsanitary cooking practices.

Carts that sell coffee would still be allowed on private property, including shopping centers and office complexes, under the ordinance, which the council will consider Monday.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.

Information: (714) 754-5223.