SANTA BARBARA Due to public health concerns stemming from the increasing presence of illegal food vendors during Old Spanish Days, the Santa Barbara Police Department, city Parks and Recreation Department and county Public Health Department will be strictly enforcing state codes pertaining to food vending.
Permits are required for any food facility open for business. Violators are subject to closing the facility and a penalty up to three times the cost of the permit, officials said.
While the facility is open, any authorized enforcement officer may enter, inspect, issue citations to and secure photographs or evidence from a food facility. It is a violation to refuse entry or to interfere with the enforcement officer.
Based upon inspection findings, the officer may impound food or equipment found to be unsanitary. Violators are subject to a fine up to $25 per offense, up to $1,000, or six months in jail.
