Erie County Legislators Joe Lorigo, Chris Greene, Frank Todaro, and John Mills are urging the Erie County Health Department to waive fees for temporary food service vendors setting up shop at various summer events and festivals throughout the County in the coming months.

The resolution proposed by the Minority Caucus notes the influx of cash coming in from the federal government adding to the County’s budget. In the meantime, restaurants throughout the region are in need of relief after struggling to make up for losses sustained during the pandemic. Fees for permits can range from $150 to $210.

Minority Leader Lorigo said, “We need to help restaurants and small businesses in any way we can. Waiving fees is an opportunity to put money back into restaurant owners’ pockets. With the return of summer festivals, including events like the Taste of Buffalo, Queen of Heaven Carnival and Erie County Fair, this is something my colleagues across the aisle and in Health Department should prioritize immediately.”

Legislator Greene said, “We’re excited for the return of our favorite summer events and festivals, especially those that showcase our outstanding local restaurants. For a restaurant owner or vendor to temporarily set up at an event like the Erie County Fair or Taste of Buffalo, it can cost up to a few hundred dollars. These businesses owners have been through enough these past 16 months. With the influx of federal stimulus dollars that can be used to support these type of programs, Erie County is in good position to waive the fee and I hope we move forward with this resolution as soon as possible.”

Legislator Todaro said, “I always hear from restaurants and small business owners in our community who are trying to recover from a long fight with the COVID-19 pandemic. While things are getting back to normal, it is still going to be a long road to recovery. We should be helping these small businesses right now, not adding to their financial burden. This is why my colleagues and I are urging the Erie County Health Department to waive the fees restaurants have to pay to set up at events and festivals throughout the County.”

Legislator Mills said, “The community I represent is known for some great summer events, including the Taste of Orchard Park. Restaurant owners who set up at the festival are showcasing some of the best food around and they deserve our support. A few hundred dollars can go a long way, so this resolution makes sense. I hope to earn the support of my colleagues in the Legislature in the coming days.”

The Minority Caucus pressed for a vote on the resolution at the June 24 legislative session, but it was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee by the Majority Caucus. The next session of the Legislature is July 8 at 12 pm.  A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.