Sandy studying taco carts, beer licenses

SANDY — City officials have made early moves to change mobile vending carts and beer sales laws.

The city code has not been updated in regard to food carts and beer sales in years, said Sandy spokeswoman Trina Duerkson. Tuesday night, the City Council will consider a "pending ordinance doctrine" that would halt the issuance of new business licenses for such business. The effect would be a moratorium.

Sandy is the latest in a growing chain of cities to limit vending carts such as taco and hot dog stands. But unlike West Valley City and Midvale, both of which recently tightened restrictions, Sandy already has a stringent law on the books.

Taco carts are allowed in specific areas of the city and only on public sidewalks, Duerkson said. Further, taco cart owners must buy insurance policies to reimburse Sandy in case of things such as toxic spills or injury.

Changes to the class E alcohol ordinance are likely to streamline outdated city code with ever-changing state laws.

If Tuesday's beer and vending ordinances are approved, Sandy staffers will likely bring forward proposed changes within months.

For more information or to subscribe to e-mail alerts of Sandy City Council meetings, visit sandy.utah.gov.

— Rebecca Palmer