Food Truck Rules Considered

Mount Pleasant Town council is considering new rules for food trucks that want to set up shop in the town.

On Monday, the planning and development committee took up the issue of whether to implement a one-year pilot project that requires permits for food trucks.

The council is considering four major restrictions for the trucks:

• Limit the trucks to retail areas of town
• Require a town business license
• Require DHEC approval
• Obtain a town permit that requires a photo of the truck and approval of the owner of the land where the truck will be parked.

The issue brought out impassioned arguments from food truck owners and stick-and-mortar restaurant owners.

“I’m concerned about the competitive advantage that food trucks have over restaurants,” said Tony Page, owner of Page’s Okra Grill. “I have to pay impact fees, I have to have grease traps, building inspections and fire inspections… They have no costs.”

Food truck owners say they simply want a slice of the on-the-go dining market, and if they aren’t wanted, consumers won’t choose them, and they won’t survive.

“We’re a free-market economy,” said Mark Elise, who operates both a fixed restaurant and a food truck for catering. “This is just one way to do business. Let it run, let it play out.”

The planning and development committee recommended that council adopt the proposed new ordinance, but with the addition of a requirement for liability insurance.

The new rules go to the planning commission, and more comments will be allowed. The measure passed the planning and zoning commission 3 to 1, with Councilwoman Linda Page abstaining.