St. Louis County is considering changing farmers’ markets ordinances to make it easier for food venders to do business. Instead of a $35 permit which lasts two weeks, the new permits would last seven-months, and cost $75.
St. Louis County Health Department Director Dolores Gunn says the seven-month length – as opposed to a year – is intended to prevent abuses of the system.
“My issue is where you have a situation where you have someone who’s using a waffle iron or couple of hot skillets for the public – year round," she said, "without any permanent indoor plumbing, no way to truly wash their hands, and no running water. That is a concern. You have crossed over; you are a food establishment.”
Each additional permit for vendors wishing to operate at multiple sites would cost $50. Permit fees would be capped annually at $193. The County Council is expected to vote on the proposed changes before the farmers' market season begins this April.
