Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the City of Toronto street food vendors, food trucks and ice cream trucks can resume operations just in time for this year’s summer vending season.
Street food vending and food trucks allow for a broad range of food in Toronto that is safe, healthy, affordable and culturally diverse.
For everyone’s safety, all operators must adhere to physical distancing requirements for the public and provide proper health and safety measures for their staff.
Residents visiting street food vendors, food or ice cream trucks should maintain a distance of two metres or six feet from others while waiting in line. Food is for take away and can be enjoyed at home or in the park.
There are currently 177 non-motorized food carts and 325 motorized refreshment vehicles, including 75 hot dog carts licensed by the City.
All street food vendors who wish to operate on public or private property require a valid business licence. Vendors who wish to operate on city streets or sidewalks or in City parks also require a vending permit. Under the current Street Vending Bylaw street food and ice cream vendors must hold a permit under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 740, Street Vending. All licence and permit-holders can renew or obtain new licences with Municipal Licensing & Standards by contacting mlsapplication@toronto.ca.
More information for street food vendors, food truck and ice cream truck operators can be found on the City’s Food Trucks, Food Carts & Ice Cream Trucks page. Operators are also encouraged to review the Toronto Public Health Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Guidance for Mobile Food Premises.
All operators are subject to regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) and the health inspection regime in addition to the City’s licensing requirements.
The City of Toronto’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting 311 or the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline at 416-338-7600.
Quotes:
“Toronto’s street food vendors and food trucks are an integral part of our city’s vibrant food scene. I’m thrilled that they can now safely resume operations and continue to grow their businesses while providing more choice and convenience to Torontonians.”
– Mayor John Tory
“As Chair of the General Government and Licensing Committee, I’m excited to welcome food trucks and street good vendors back to Toronto neighbourhoods. City staff are ready to renew or process new licenses and permits to get these businesses back in operation as quickly as possible, so that they can provide safe and affordable food options to our communities. For everyone’s safety, we remind customers to maintain a distance of two metres or six feet from others at all times while waiting in line, use hand sanitizer and wear a mask or cloth face covering, especially when physical distancing is difficult.”
– Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood, Chair, General Government and Licensing Committee
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