BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont Public Health Department is raising fees for local restaurants to comply with Senate Bill 1008, which took effect Sept. 1.

The Beaumont City Council discussed the fee increases Tuesday night following concerns from local restaurant owners. Under the new bill, restaurants that previously paid $250 for their annual health permit will now pay $400.

Kenneth Coleman, Beaumont Public Health director, addressed the increases at the council meeting.

"If I may, Councilman Crenshaw, we have to follow the Texas Food Establishment rules and the FDA food code, and so we follow those rules to the letter. We don't have a choice," Coleman said.

Coleman said the changes were required by Senate Bill 1008.

"We can't issue a permit and we can't charge fees above what the

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