Prohibiting the use of charcoal in food trucks, New York City Councilwoman Sandra Hwang (Democrat, Flushing) proposed the second ordinance on the 6th to create a safer and more comfortable sidewalk.
First, the ordinance ‘Int. 1272′ contains information that approval must be obtained from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) when renewing or applying for a new stall license, which is required to install a stall on the sidewalk in front of a business.
Transportation Bureau employees visit businesses in person to determine whether stalls installed on sidewalks will interfere with pedestrians. If the stall impedes the flow of pedestrians by more than 10 feet, the stall will be considered an obstacle and approval will be denied.
Rep. Hwang said, “This is an ordinance to keep sidewalks clean and ensure that all pedestrians can move safely and smoothly,” and added, “In commercial districts with a large floating population, such as downtown Flushing (around Main Street), stalls legally installed on the sidewalk in front of businesses are required.” Even so, it can cause congestion. “Sidewalks must allow pedestrians to pass safely and smoothly,” he emphasized.
Another ordinance (Int. 1271) prohibits the use of charcoal grills in food trucks. When a food truck parks on the street and uses charcoal to grill meat, a significant amount of air pollutants are emitted along with smoke, causing unwanted harm to many citizens walking on the sidewalk. The fine for the first offense is $400, and for subsequent offenses, the fine is $400. A fine of $1,600 is imposed.
In case of repeated violations three or more times, the charcoal stove will be confiscated, or if the charcoal stove is permanently installed in the vehicle, the vehicle will be confiscated. Assemblyman Hwang’s office said, “We are receiving numerous complaints that the smoke and air pollutants emitted from charcoal grilling in food trucks are causing damage not only to the streets, but also to businesses and homes.” It can cause respiratory problems and other health problems. “It can be especially fatal to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly,” he emphasized.