Battle in SF Over the Meaning of the Word 'Meal'

In order to get more retailers to set up shop in one San Francisco neighborhood, the definition of "meal" must be established to keep out new places that can't serve one.

1 minute read

September 17, 2008, 12:00 PM PDT

By Judy Chang


"It sounds absurd, but the definition of a meal - and whether two or three appetizers count as one - is at the core of a 318-page proposal by Supervisor Aaron Peskin. The idea isn't to argue the semantics of food, but to find a way to keep North Beach from being overrun by new bars and restaurants. The complex legislation would allow a restaurant or bar to replace one that's closed. But it would prevent new ones from moving into now-empty storefronts.

Although the details of the legislation seem needlessly complex, the proposal is really a reasonable way to encourage other types of retail business and keep the touristy area from being monopolized by eateries and watering holes."

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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