Mayor Harrell Proposes Legislation Banning Anti-Competitive Covenants that Block New Grocery Stores and Pharmacies 

Legislation aims to address food insecurity and reduce barriers to acquiring needed medications

Seattle —Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the submission of legislation to the Seattle City Council that will prohibit the use of restrictive or negative covenants preventing a property from being used as a grocery store or pharmacy. Restrictive covenants are a common industry practice that blocks efforts to bring new grocery stores and pharmacies into existing spaces that could easily accommodate them, thereby reducing access to food and medication.

“My proposed budget increases the City’s food investments by 20%, however, affordable food and medicine are inaccessible for too many Seattleites. When a company closes a grocery store or pharmacy, they can add a restrictive covenant into a p