Medford to Look into Food Cart Regulations

When City Clerk Ed Finn was asked what the process is for regulating food carts in Medford, his answer was simple.

“We don’t have a process at all," Finn said to the city council Tuesday.

The council passed a resolution to start the process in drafting an ordinance and licensing criteria for food carts in the city. The resolution was brought forward by councilor Paul Camuso, who said the need for regulation in the industry has become apparent this month as the city hosts a number festivals and events.

“It’s not currently regulated, but I think we need to get the ball rolling," Camuso said.

The city gives licenses for peddlers cars, but those must be moved every 10 minutes, Camuso said. Creating a regulation process would allow the city's board of health to sign off on the carts, as well as nearby businesses, he said.

Councilor Mark Arena said the carts should only be allowed in certain areas.

"We have to have a zone for these types of permits and have a cap on it,” Arena said.

While the city doesn't have a prevelance of the carts, they are gaining popularity and the city should have plans in place, Council President Robert Maiocco said.

“It’s something that’s coming and I think it would be prudent for the city to be ready,” Maiocco said.

The resolution - which passed 6-0-1, with Robert Penta absent from the meeting - calls for the council's licensing subcommittee to hold a meeting to draw up a draft ordinance and licensing criteria.