L.A. to block new fast-food eateries in poor areas

July 30, 2008

Foodbusinessnews.net

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to put in place a 1-year moratorium on new fast-food restaurants in the South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, West Adams, Baldwin Hills and Leimert Park community planning areas.

The action, which still must be signed into law by the mayor, is believed to be the first of its kind by a major city to protect public health.

"Our communities have an extreme shortage of quality foods," said Bernard Parks, a city councilman.

The moratorium would only affect stand-alone restaurants, not establishments located in malls or strip shopping centers, and defines fast-food restaurants as those that do not offer table service and provide a limited menu of pre-prepared or quickly heated food in disposable wrapping.

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