Minneapolis Expands Food Cart Licensing Opportunities
Minneapolis has expanded its sidewalk food cart licensing program to allow vendors to operate in more neighborhoods throughout the city, according to Amy Lingo, manager of business licensing for Minneapolis.
The expanded ordinance builds on existing regulations that previously limited sidewalk food carts to downtown locations. Under the new rules, vendors can now apply for licenses to operate in communities citywide, with each license allowing operation at up to three designated locations.
The ordinance has always been in place, but this allows the sidewalk food cart to be able to be in more areas," Lingo explained during a radio interview on La Raza 95.7 FM's "Mi Ciudad Minneapolis" program. "Now there are places of opportunity in every community in the entire city.
Applications for sidewalk food cart licenses are currently being accepted through the city's 311 service or website. The licensing fee is $190 annually. Vendors must maintain a 100-foot distance from existing restaurants on the same block unless they receive written permission from the restaurant owner.
Lingo emphasized that the expanded program does not permit vendors to sell food while walking in traffic, citing safety concerns. All food vendors must obtain proper licensing and food safety manager certification before beginning operations.
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Areas of Interest (4)
- New city ordinance creates pathways for street vendors to operate legally in Minneapolis.
- City officials report daily instances of businesses operating without required licenses.
- Housing crisis and sub-standard living conditions in the city; residents urged to use 311 for complaints.
- Clarification on licensing distinctions: new retail sales vs. used goods/food/taxis.
Notable Quotes (3)
Not every business needs a license but the ones that do need a license through the city of Minneapolis come through my department.
The ordinance will not allow for vendors to sell fruit walking in traffic that's never going to be permitted because it's very unsafe behavior.
You would not be able to sell food in front of your house unless your house is on one of the approved streets.
People (4)
Mariano EspinozaHostHost of the 'Mi ciudad Minneapolis' program on La Raza.
Host of the 'Mi ciudad Minneapolis' program on La Raza.
CorreCo-hostProgram participant and co-host.
Program participant and co-host.
Amy LingoManagerOversees the City of Minneapolis department that issues business licenses.
2 quotes
Oversees the City of Minneapolis department that issues business licenses.
“it's really important to have your licenses straight here because we look at everything from a public safety aspect”
Explaining the purpose of licensing.
“you won't need a license if you wanted to be um graphic artist or a florist”
Clarifying businesses that don't need city licenses.
IsaacTranslatorProvides English-Spanish interpretation for the broadcast.
Provides English-Spanish interpretation for the broadcast.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- May 6th, Tuesday (broadcast date)
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Expansion of locations for sidewalk food carts and modification of license usage to allow one license for three specific locations.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Minneapolis city business licensing requirements
Public health and safety in food sales
New sidewalk food cart ordinance
Housing and regulation complaints
Permitting for retail and food businesses
Requirements for taxi operation
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