Health departments unpermitted vendor crackdown has barely made a dent in Capitol Hill street food scene

Seattle's health department's crackdown on unpermitted mobile food vendors has had minimal impact on the Capitol Hill street food scene, with many vendors continuing to operate. Tacos Cometa was recently cited for violations, including lacking a valid permit, while Mero Mero Tamalero also faced shutdown. Local businesses have raised alarms about safety issues stemming from unpermitted vendors, such as improper waste disposal and unsafe crowd formations. Health officials highlight that these setups often lack necessary sanitation facilities, which raises food safety concerns. The permitting process involves multiple meetings, inspections, and fees ranging from $600 to over $1,000, making it challenging for vendors to comply.

The county is attempting to assist vendors in navigating these requirements through outreach programs. Public Health's enforcement strategy focuses on education, but enforcement remains a challenge as the Seattle Police Department does not participate. The county has expanded its food safety rating system to include mobile vendors, urging diners to check for permits.