Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail has approved new municipal requirements for mobile vending carts and food trucks.

These include installing surveillance cameras inside the carts and prohibiting activities after 12:00 in the night. Owners of these vehicles are granted a correction period of 180 days, according to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

It is prohibited to practice this activity at traffic lights, intersections, entrances and exits to main and secondary roads, and areas with high traffic density. It will also prohibit sales at locations designated for police, traffic, Civil Defense, ambulances, and parking spaces for people with disabilities, as well as in areas not permitted by the municipality.

Parking near sources of environmental pollutants, such as waste dumps, gas and smoke emissions, sewage sites, and others is also prohibited. Parking in front of emergency exits or evacuation assembly points near facilities, as well as near gas stations, is not allowed. Parking within residential neighborhoods is also prohibited.

All activities will be prohibited after 12:00 AM unless there is a 24-hour permit. Smoking inside vehicles, loudspeakers, or mobile external speakers will also be prohibited. Vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers which are participating in events will be excluded from this requirement.

Meals are prohibited from being prepared outside the cart. If charcoal or firewood is used for cooking, meals or beverages must be prepared in a separate cart. The provision of tobacco products of all kinds is also prohibited.

Food establishments must adhere to the activities, instructions, and executive and technical regulations issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. They must also install surveillance cameras in the cart in accordance with the Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras and its executive regulations. Individuals are also entitled to issue one license for a mobile cart, trailer, or semi-trailer across the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing noted that the draft municipal requirements for mobile carts were made public through the "Istithlaa" platform from May 13-28, for the purpose of public survey and feedback prior to approval and implementation.

The new terms and conditions aim to regulate this sector, encourage investment, and facilitate requirements for investors and beneficiaries. This step will provide an appropriate regulatory environment for commercial investment, control development, and increase compliance rates. This will have a positive impact on food safety and preserve community health. It also aims to assist those wishing to invest in this field and regulate mobile health, food, and non-food commercial activities by identifying appropriate locations for their activities and raising food safety standards.

According to the new requirements, the procedures for issuing, renewing, amending, and canceling licenses will be in accordance with the Municipal Licensing Procedures System and its implementing regulations. Approval from the General Traffic Department and the entity supervising the activity will be required if it is essential to run the activity.