Regional task force develops response to unpermitted food vendors

WENATCHEE — A regional task force is working to coordinate a response to unpermitted pop-up food vendors, with officials addressing after-hours staffing and law enforcement support before settling on an approach.

Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith described the effort during an Oct. 8 presentation to the Wenatchee City Council. He said the group began meeting earlier this year and is working to involve counties, cities and the health district in addressing vendors operating without required approvals.

“Right now I would say that we’re still in the infant stages of this,” Smith said.

The discussion came in response to a question from councilmember Top Rojanasthien about the task force’s progress and how Wenatchee could participate. Both Rojanasthien and Smith own and operate licensed brick-and-mortar restaurants in Wenatchee and beyond.

Smith said officials are seeing unpermitted vendors in both incorporated and unincorporated communities, including Wenatchee, Chelan and Manson. The task force is seeking coordination with Douglas County, East Wenatchee, Wenatchee and smaller cities.

He framed the effort around food safety and ensuring vendors operate under the same standards as established restaurants.

“Thankfully, we haven’t had an outbreak come from any one particular vendor,” Smith said.

He said the health district had received multiple reports concerning vendors, but did not provide details about those reports or identify specific businesses.

Pop-up food booths observed by this reporter in Wenatchee and Manson sell tacos, tortas and quesadillas, with self-service condiments including onions, hot peppers and salsa. Some operate late into the night.

The goal, Smith said, is to ensure food businesses obtain appropriate licenses, undergo inspections and meet tax and employment obligations.

“So working amongst ourselves, we’re trying to figure out a way to let them know, if you would like to have a food service venue, let’s do it the right way,” he said. “Let’s do it so we’re all playing above board.”

After-hours operations have complicated the effort. Smith said officials are working through union contracts to arrange enforcement outside regular business hours while also ensuring staff members can safely make contact with vendors.

The group generally tries to meet monthly, he said.

Law enforcement support is another part of the planning. Smith said officials are working with Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison to ensure deputies can respond when needed during enforcement contacts.

“We don’t want to put anybody’s health or life or safety in jeopardy with these contacts,” Smith said.

He did not announce a new enforcement policy, implementation date or specific penalties during the presentation. The council took no action on the issue.

Smith asked for patience as the participating jurisdictions work toward a coordinated response.

“So I would just say be patient as we’re working through that and trying to figure out as a community how we address that issue,” he said.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media