News

Los Angeles fast-food ban may become law

September 7, 2010

A quick-service restaurant ban is still under debate in Los Angeles. Southern California Public Radio reported the Los Angeles City Council committee unanimously approved a year-long ban on new QSRs in a 32-square-mile area, mostly in South Los Angeles.

An approval by the whole council and the signature of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is all that's needed to make the ban a law.

South Los Angeles has the highest concentration of QSRs, approximately 400, in the city without a limited number of grocery stores. L.A. Councilwoman Jan Perry proposed the legislation to try to minimize health problems associated with a fast-food diet, such as obesity and diabetes.

The L.A. City Council made history last year, approving a temporary ban on QSRs in the neighborhood.

Lark Galloway-Gilliam, a member of the Community Health Council, said results of a healthier L.A. population won't happen overnight, however, something had to be done. The council is trying to get the ban made into a permanent law by early 2011.

The current ban ends Sept. 14.

The California Restaurant Association has voiced its opposition, calling it misguided.