A proposed town street vending policy has been drafted by the town’s chief administrative officer Joseph Fernandez, as per council’s instruction.
At a cost of a $500 permit for food and non-alcoholic beverage mobile vending units, plus a $100 business licence, and insurance on top of that, the proposal would allow mobile business owners to operate at two locations in town, including spots on either side of the Cowichan River.
“They’re looking at about $1,000 to start up. Does it seem to this table a bit steep for a hot dog stand?” councillor Jayne Ingram inquired, playing the devil’s advocate.
“It’s about fairness,” councillor Bob Day answered.
The high price for mobile businesses could serve to quell complaints from existing business owners with storefronts that mobile business owners aren’t paying taxes.
The annual $500 fee for food and non alcoholic beverage carts, and $400 for “other” mobile businesses, is in leu of taxation.
With the bylaw coming in at about the half-way point of the year, Fernandez said that those purchasing mobile vending permits this year will receive half-off, should mayor and council decide to pass the Street Vending Regulations Policy.
The policy will be brought up again for council’s decision during their Tuesday, June 28, regular council meeting.