Examining Your First Data Set
City of Boston’s Food Establishments Licenses Data
Q: Who collects this data set? If it's an organization, which department of the organization? Is there a specific person listed who you could contact?
A: This data is collected by Boston’s Health Division of the Department of Inspectional Services, who “creates and enforces food safety codes to protect public health.” There is no specific contacts listed, but a quick Google search shows that they can be reached at 617-635-5326, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can also call or contact 311.
Q: Why do you think the organization collects this data? Does it specify how it uses the data?
A: The Inspectional Services Department collects this data in order to keep track of which local restaurants have met the standards to become licensed food service establishments. Without the list, it would be unclear who can legally operate, a shortcoming that could potentially affect the health and safety of local consumers. This data is used to parse out establishment permits and allow restaurant owners/tenants to run their businesses.
Q: What period does the data set cover?
A: The dataset contains records of licensed food establishments from December 2006 to current in locales including West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Boston, Brighton, Charlestown, Hyde Park, and more.
Q: What are some questions you have about this data set?
A: 1. How often are closed/shut down establishments added to this list? Are long-gone restaurants still noted here?
2. What does the DBAName column here show? And the LicenseCat column?
3. Why do some of the establishments not have latitudes and longitudes listed? What is the point of listing this specific geographic data to begin with?
Q: Who are three types of people you could interview about this data set to learn more?
A: You could interview an employee of the department to gain insight into the process of collecting this data and more information about why it is collected. Additionally, you could interview individual restaurant owners on how they got their permits and any issues they’ve experienced while trying to acquire one. And you can speak with outside vendors or customers to see how important a spot’s presence on this list is to them. (i.e. Would they eat at an unlicensed space?)