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Food Truck Ordinance Clears First Hurdle, Will Need Updates

LEXINGTON, Ky. - An ordinance making it easier for mobile food vendors to operate on private property in Lexington unanimously passed the Urban County Council’s economic development committee Tuesday. The proposal is the result of a work group focusing on contentious issues between food truck vendors and traditional restaurant owners.

Bob Douglas, who co-owns Glenn’s Creek Beer Exchange and Hashtags bar, says he supports the ordinance and plans to launch his own food truck.

“I have different price range, I have a different type of food; I’m limited to what I can serve on the food truck. It’s no threat at all to any well-established restaurants or new restaurants. It just isn’t. It’s a whole different market, it’s a different niche.”

Paula Singer, who represents neighborhoods along Versailles Road, says officials need to establish clear rules for food trucks operating in urban and residential areas.

“Our concerns are that itinerant merchants-- including food trucks-- that set up their businesses at neighborhood entrances do harm to those long-time residents along the corridor.”

The proposed ordinance sets basic guidelines for food trucks that everyone agrees on and now goes to the full council. Councilman Bill Farmer says the work group will continue to discuss more specific regulations, such as whether a food truck can set up on public property and hours of operation.

Lexington native Brenna Angel anchored local morning newscasts for WUKY through May 13. She joined the station in March 2010 after previously working for WHAS-AM in Louisville.