Health Concerns

How Fast Food Will Survive in South Central

L.A. Planning Commission is proposing new regulations on fast food in South L.A., following 2008’s temporary moratorium on fast food restaurant construction in the region. L.A. Times details just one of the “new rules,” a mandate that any new stand-alone fast-food business would have to be a least a half-mile from another fast food eatery, unless an exemption is made or it’s in a mixed-use development like a shopping mall. What’s the basis for the new plan?

Countering arguments that this is just local government stepping in to tell people what’s best for them, along with protestations from the California Restaurant Association, Councilwoman Jan Perry’s office says this is also about “preserving the land” for greater business diversity while correcting an imbalance that finds 72% of South L.A. food options comprised of fast-food, compared with 40% in West L.A.

On a positive note, Perry says in a statement, “We have already attracted new sit-down restaurants, full service grocery stores and healthy food alternatives, and we need to continue to do so in an aggressive manner.” Further examination (like the one given that “undead” happy meal perhaps) and a possible vote on the measures could go next to the City Council’s planning committee in a few weeks.

What do you think? Should fast food be regulated in South L.A.? Let us know your thoughts in our comments.

L.A. Planning Commission OKs rules for fast-food eateries in South L.A. [L.A. Times]

How Fast Food Will Survive in South Central