Commissioner Rubio Halts Restaurant Odor Inspections Amid Backlash

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In recent weeks, the closure of Pho Gabo, a beloved Vietnamese restaurant on Northeast Fremont Street, has sparked considerable controversy and prompted swift action from Commissioner Carmen Rubio. Following outcry over the closure and concerns raised about the city's odor codes, Commissioner Rubio has directed the Bureau of Development Services to suspend the inspection of odor complaints related to food establishments.

The saga of Pho Gabo's closure began in February, after an 18-month dispute with the city's Bureau of Development Services. A persistent neighbor complaint about odors emanating from the restaurant led to numerous visits by city inspectors, fines, and ultimately, the closure of the establishment. This series of events ignited a broader conversation about the fairness and objectivity of the city's odor codes, particularly in relation to minority-owned businesses like Pho Gabo.

Commissioner Rubio wasted no time in addressing the issue. In response to the closure and the ensuing public outcry, Rubio's office met with Pho Gabo owner Eddie Dong and initiated an evaluation of the city codes. The goal is to make recommendations for changes that will ensure fairness and inclusivity in the enforcement of these regulations. While the process of revising the codes will involve multiple stages, including evaluation by the Planning Commission and City Council, Rubio's office is committed to expediting these changes to protect the interests of small businesses like Pho Gabo.

Furthermore, the closure of Pho Gabo has drawn attention from Vietnamese-American state legislators, who issued a joint statement expressing their support for Commissioner Rubio's directive to suspend action on restaurant-related odor complaints. These legislators, including Representatives Daniel Nguyen, Hai Pham, Thuy Tran, Hoa Nguyen, and Khanh Pham, have emphasized the importance of preserving cultural diversity within Portland's culinary landscape. They assert that the current odor code is discriminatory and fails to provide equal protection for minority-owned businesses.

In light of these developments, there is a clear consensus among community leaders and elected officials that action must be taken to reform the city's odor codes. By pausing inspections of restaurant odor complaints and undertaking a thorough evaluation of the existing regulations, Commissioner Carmen Rubio and her colleagues are working to ensure that Portland's vibrant food culture remains inclusive and accessible to all. The closure of Pho Gabo may have sparked controversy, but it has also catalyzed a movement for positive change in the city's regulatory framework.