The City of Portage is tightening restrictions on mobile food vendors. Under an ordinance amendment passed by the city council Tuesday, those selling food within a city park will still need to get a permit from the county health department and fill out an application with the Portage Park Department. But now, they'll have to stay at least 200 feet away from any special events, unless they have specific permission to be there.
"That was a major concern that the park department had, that there was some infringement by previous vendors that were parking just way too close, and they weren't paying anything," explained council member Scott Williams.
The new ordinance also sets out fines, ranging from $25 for the first violation to $200 for third and subsequent violations. The update doesn't say anything about food vendors operating on private property, like business parking lots, but Williams hopes to add some language in the future.
Council members voted to pass the ordinance amendment on all three readings, to get the new rules in place before the busy summer season arrives. But notice of the new fines still has to be published before they can officially take effect.
