Zoning Law in L.A. to Regulate Fast Food Establishments

 

Obesity and diabetes are becoming growing health problems among children as well as adults.  The responsible  culprit is in part fast food establishments that serve tasty food high in fats and low in nutrients.  However, it is hard to avoid fast food restaurants in most places since a person can not go somewhere without running into one.  There are some areas where fast food establishments are great in number, and there are few healthy eating choices.  South L.A. is such an area in which there are more than enough fast food restaurants.

As a response to this issue, Los Angeles has drafted an ordinance that would "regulate fast food because of health concerns"[1].  The ordinance would "place a moratorium of up to two years on new fast food restaurants in the area"[2]. In other words, the ordinance would put a stop to prospect fast food restaurants from coming into the area for a certain amount of time. The ordinance will most likely be put to consideration by the City Council  this December or next January.  Although the ordinance counts with support  from residents and officials, it also to some extent opposition.  The California Restaurant Association has expressed concern "over the ordinance's language, which it says could rule out healthy fast food options such as smoothie shops  and delis"[3].  However, I think this concern could be resolved easily by ensuring that the language of the ordinance does not "rule out healthy fast food options."  Another concern with the ordinance is that the stop to new fast food restaurants could mean less new jobs available.[4]

I think that this ordinance that would regulate fast food restaurants in South L.A. is overall a good idea.  There are just too many fast food restaurants in many areas that staying away from them is almost impossible.  Most areas do not need anymore fast food establishments.  I would be curious to find out if once the ordinance was approved, if there would be a significant decrease in obesity and diabetes in the area.  However, in order to find that kind of data a study that could take years would be required.

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Source:

[1]Josh Stephens, "Los Angeles Tries to Zone Out Fast Food," News and Departments, American Planning Association, Vol, 73, No. 11, December 2007.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.