ILOILO City – A proposed ordinance seeks to restrict street food vending here only from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Mobile street food carts/stands have become eyesores and cause traffic congestion, according to Councilor Johnny Young.
They also generate trash, he added.
While Young acknowledged that street food vending is a livelihood, he said it has become a public inconvenience, noting that vendors have invaded public roads and open spaces to the detriment of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
“Ginabilin nila ang ila nga kariton. So number one, kalaw-ay tan-awon sa aton mga turista kag mga bisita. Number 2, ang salakyan nga mag-park sa dalanon indi ka-park kay ara dira ang ambulant vendors,” said Young, citing as example the situation at Molo plaza.
There are over 200 street food vendors in the city.
Young’s proposed ordinance hurdled first reading and was referred to the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on trade, commerce and industry. It is now up for a committee hearing.
Violators of the proposed measure will face the following penalties:
* first offense – fine of P1,000 and confiscation of license plate from the Business Permits and Licensing Division of Iloilo City;
* second offense – fine of P2,000 and confiscation of license plate from the Business Permits and Licensing Division; and
* third offense – fine of P3,000 and confiscation of the ambulant store including its license plate from the Business Permits and Licensing Division.
The confiscated license plate and/or ambulant store will only be released upon payment of fines./PN
