Hermiston Council Tackles Unlicensed Food Vendors
HERMISTON — The Hermiston City Council had a detailed discussion on January 26 about how to handle unlicensed food vendors in the city. The number of these vendors grew significantly during the summer and fall of 2025. Many operated out of tents and sold food late at night without the necessary licenses or health inspections.
Residents raised concerns about the safety of food sold by these vendors. Without proper inspections, the city can’t ensure food safety—like whether items are cooked at the right temperatures or if ingredients come from inspected sources. This uncertainty can pose health risks to everyone.
A Broader Challenge
City Planner Clint Spencer noted that Hermiston’s situation isn’t unique. Similar issues are seen across the region, extending from Seattle down to Hermiston along key highways. He mentioned that the city’s mobile food licensing program doesn’t adequately address these challenges.
To tackle the problem, Spencer suggested amendments that would empower the city to issue fines or even shut down vendors operating without permits. Additionally, property owners could also face penalties for allowing these vendors on their land.
City attorney Richard Tovey mentioned fines could range from $440 to $2,000, but there’s room for educating vendors instead of just penalizing them.
During the meeting, council members discussed potential changes to the city’s nuisance code. There was some back-and-forth, reflecting differing opinions on the right approach.
Balancing Safety and Support
Councilor Roy Barron advocated for a more supportive approach, suggesting the city should collaborate with vendors instead of imposing heavy fines. He emphasized education over enforcement: “I want us to stress more of an attitude of collaboration with these vendors,” he said.
Conversely, Councilor Allen Haywood acknowledged public safety concerns and welcomed the city’s efforts to address them. He highlighted the importance of maintaining standards that all businesses should follow.
Councilor Josh Roberts reaffirmed that all vendors should adhere to the regulations that other businesses must follow. He stressed, “They should have to meet certain standards, and that’s all this is.”
Councilor Jackie Linton noted that vendors operating late at night might be trying to evade inspections, hinting at a lack of transparency.
Public Safety Comes First
Mayor Doug Primmer clarified that the aim wasn’t to hinder local entrepreneurs but to ensure public safety. “We have to worry about how many zeros to put on the check” if someone were to fall ill due to unregulated food, he said.
Spencer assured that any new measures wouldn’t impact licensed vendors who are already adhering to regulations.
By tackling this issue, the Hermiston City Council hopes to strike a balance between supporting local entrepreneurs and safeguarding public health.
This debate is part of a larger trend seen across various cities as they grapple with the rising number of food vendors and the need for regulation. The U.S. sees a growing interest in food entrepreneurship, with around 70% of food truck owners citing low startup costs as a key motivation. However, ensuring food safety remains paramount as cities adapt to this evolving landscape.
