Vegan food options may soon be required by law at Los Angeles venues

LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - Is vegan dining a right or a privilege? A Los Angeles city councilman wants to require a vegan protein option at large entertainment venues, movie theaters, zoo concession stands and airport terminals.

Councilman Paul Koretz, who represents the 5th District in Los Angeles, introduced the motion Wednesday during a press conference at LA City Hall, referencing studies that point to the negative impacts the meat and dairy industry has on the environment.

One study from the University of Oxford found that greenhouse-gas emissions from food sources could be cut by 70 percent if more people in the United States adopted plant-based eating.

The motion would require at least one "vegan protein entree food option" be offered at city-operated venues, the Los Angeles Zoo, large-scale entertainment venues, movie theaters and Los Angeles International Airport restaurants.

In addition, it would direct city departments to report back on vegan protein options available -- and the ways to ensure that these options can remain available on a continuing basis.

It would also direct the Los Angeles World Airports to report on the feasibility of adding plant-based menu options in eat terminal at LAX.

Koretz said the motion will need to be approved by the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.

"Any restaurant that does not serve vegan food is burning money," Koretz said Wednesday during a press conference.

"Everyone knows that the vegan chooses where the group eats," he jokingly added.