In yet another example of California anti-business bias, the City of San Francisco intends to enact an ordinance requiring grocery stores to give six months’ notice before closing.  In addition, it will be necessary to search for a replacement and to interact with the impacted community.  The proposed ordinance was originally considered in 1984 but was vetoed by the then Mayor Dianne Feinstein exercising sound judgment.

As in the case of Chicago, grocery chains that attempted to provide retail service to consumers in so-called ‘food deserts’ have been afflicted with theft and operate in dangerous environments. Criminal activity in these high-risk areas including downtown appear to be beyond the control of police and the judicial system.

The proposed ordinance is another case of California elected officials spending other people’s money and creating an unattractive business environment.  Supervisor, Dean Preston, has led the charge to resurrect the 1984 ordinance, stating, “Food insecurity is on the rise especially for seniors and families as food prices skyrocket and food programs face major cuts.”  Preston would generate greater benefits to his constituents by encouraging community support, eliminating crime and providing civic services to retailers to encourage them to maintain functional operations.