Public urges tougher enforcement as council considers ordinance on unlicensed food stands

A local business owner urged the Everett City Council on Feb. 4 to move aggressively against unlicensed food stands, saying repeat violations pose public-health risks and that some operators ignore cease-and-desist orders from the Snohomish County health authority. "Foodborne illness outbreaks I think is especially concerning," Carrie Lonergan Drake said during public comment.

Lonergan Drake said she suspects the operators are part of organized criminal activity and asked the city to empower law enforcement to use criminal penalties and equipment seizure when necessary. Her remarks came as the council considered a draft ordinance intended to address unlicensed food vendors.

Council debate and staff amendment: Council members raised questions about enforcement and whether criminal prosecution could target individual workers rather than operators. Dan Templeman, senior executive in administration, described an amendment proposed after council feedback that would remove several exceptions from the original draft — specifically newspaper carriers, people asked to display goods or literature, and bona fide candidates and campaign workers — and said the amendment will be posted for formal action at the next meeting.

Why it matters: Council members expressed concern about enforcement tools and preserving appropriate exemptions. Council member Bader asked whether the ordinance should retain language to allow prosecution of workers while preserving the ability to pursue those running the operations; Templeman and staff said the amendment reflects council direction and will be formally introduced at the subsequent meeting.

Next steps: The council did not adopt the ordinance tonight; the item remains scheduled for further action and a final reading on Feb. 11 (as recorded for other council bills).