Restrictive Food Truck Bill Dropped
California Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Carmel) has decided to drop AB 1678, the highly controversial bill which would have restricted food trucks near schools.
Mobile food vendors were highly critical of Monning’s bill, which would have restricted vending within 1,500 feet of schools. That was later amended to 500 feet but Monning said on Wednesday that he did not receive enough support from fellow legislators.
Many local food vendors said the bill would basically kill the street food scene in dense areas like San Francisco.
Monning said the bill “just isn’t ready for prime time.”
Here is the entire statement, from the Sacramento Bee:
“Today, Assemblymember Bill Monning (D-Carmel) announced that Assembly Bill (AB) 1678, which would address mobile food vending near public schools, will not proceed further this year.
Assemblymember Monning said, ‘Mobile food vending that targets students near school campuses remains a pressing issue. The challenge before us is working with a diverse group of stakeholders to establish a shared understanding about the adverse impacts of these practices and the necessity of a statewide legislative solution.
I am concerned that in communities across our state, mobile food vendors congregate just outside of elementary, middle, and high schools to direct sales at students before, during, and after the school day. I have seen this business practice first hand and will continue to prioritize children’s health over profit. In that vein, I am working with the sponsors of AB 1678, California Food Policy Advocates, and supporters of the bill, like the California State PTA, to address issues impacting the health of our students.
For years, Californians have worked to remove sodas and unhealthful snacks from school grounds. Vendors are bringing these very items back to the school gate using the mobility of ice cream trucks, pushcarts, and other portable units. This undermines the statewide nutrition improvements that we have established.
As Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I am alarmed that California’s children face unprecedented levels of obesity and overweight, making them susceptible to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, organ failure, stroke, and other preventable diseases. I remain committed to crafting legislation that promotes the life-long health of our children and the long-term success of our state.'”
A victory for mobile food vendors and their fans.
