Senate Oks Restaurant Fee

The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would impose a $55 fee on restaurants.

The bill would get rid of the yearly inspection currently called for by law. The bill would also extended the number of days a establishment must be open per year from three to five. This amendment was placed into the legislation to help exempt county fair food booths.

Sen. Hal Bunderson, R-Meridian, said that this bill is the first step in dealing with food-borne illnesses. It won’t stop it, but it will slow it down, he said.

North Idaho lawmakers were split in their votes. Sens. Gordon Crow, R-Hayden; Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint; and Marguerite McLaughlin, D-Orofino; all voted to pass the bill.

Sen. Clyde Boatright, who could have killed the bill in committee if he had voted no instead of yes, opposed the legislation.

“This bill will primarily impact small county fairs,” said the Rathdrum Republican. “I’m on the county fair board. I’m voting no on this bill.”

Sen. Jack Riggs, R-Coeur d’Alene, also opposed the bill. Riggs said that inspections will not stop food-borne illnesses, whether an establishment is inspected yearly or hourly.

The Senate voted 26-9 to pass the bill. It will now go to a vote in the House.

, DataTimes