Event organizers who want to serve food on Catalina must get a permit from Los Angeles County, according to the county Health Department.
Each individual vendor at an event must also apply for a permit.
A Health Department booklet on “Health Code Requirements for Community Events in LA County” advises organizers submit their applications 30 days in advance.
However, applications may be processed in two weeks if applicants pay a fee ranging from $50 to 25 percent of the permit fee.
Event organizers who want to serve food on Catalina must get a permit from Los Angeles County, according to the county Health Department.
Each individual vendor at an event must also apply for a permit.
A Health Department booklet on “Health Code Requirements for Community Events in LA County” advises organizers submit their applications 30 days in advance.
However, applications may be processed in two weeks if applicants pay a fee ranging from $50 to 25 percent of the permit fee.
The booklet does not specify the actual permit fee.
The Los Angeles County Health Department recently contacted the city of Avalon about the permitting process for food being served at special events.
On Thursday, March 28, members of the city staff, the Chamber of Commerce and community members held a conference call with the Health Department.
County representatives told the Avalon representatives that any event that serves food to the public must go through the county permitting process.
In order to have food at a public event, the organizer must apply for a permit, which has fees and strict guidelines associated with it.
Each vendor at a festival-type event must also individually apply for a permit in addition to the event organizer.
There are exemptions to waive fees for nonprofit organizations, but charities must go through the application process.
Food may be prepared on site, but it must meet LA County Health standards for preparation and proper temperatures.
Bake sales, private events where the attendees are all members of the group, birthday parties, and BBQs where you are only serving your guests do not need a permit as long as food is not sold.
One major hurdle Avalon and county representatives discussed is the requirement of hot running water for vendors, with several possible solutions offered.
The county requires a sink with both hot and cold water be available where food is prepared. The sinks must be connected to the sewer system.
Avalon officials said they believe it is important to understand these regulations and follow them as the law dictates.
They will be reviewing the regulations and fees and will aim to help the public in disseminating the guidelines and procedures for all future events in Avalon.
The Recreation Department will have the LA County Health Department permit applications available at City Hall.
The county requires 30 days to process each application.
The county, not the city of Avalon, will determine approval or denial of the application. For more information about food booths at Community Events, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh.
The Islander left multiple voices messages at the Los Angeles County Health Department’s media line.
After the deadline passed, the Health Department’s Office of External Relations and Communications called back to schedule a telephone interview for next week.
