Economy

States move to ban restrictive covenants on grocery stores

Supporters say retail giants use them to box out local competition, creating food deserts.
A Safeway grocery store is shown, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Redmond, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Democratic governors in two states have signed legislation in recent weeks seeking to combat food deserts in urban cores and small towns alike by restricting a little-known practice that allows retail giants to stifle local competition.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee both signed legislation that will prevent the use of deed restrictions known as restrictive covenants, provisions that can prevent future land owners from opening grocery or food stores.

Stay informed
Subscribe to keep reading.

Sign up today to get the latest state new at your fingertips and in your inbox.