Mayor Collins takes back proposed food truck rules

7/1/2014

A package of new regulations for the Toledo‘‍s food truck fleet came off city council’‍s menu this afternoon after owners and supporters of the mobile eateries protested.

Mayor Michael D. Collins took back his proposed food truck rules, which included requirements that food-truck operators apply for permits that could cost up to $1,000 per year, obtain $1 million liability insurance, operate during certain hours and in certain locations, and not park within 100 feet of entrances to brick-and-mortar restaurants. The intent was to protect downtown restaurants from mounting mobile competition.

Locals respond to proposed regulations on Toledo food trucks from THE BLADE on Vimeo.

Ninety people – the majority of whom opposed the stricter regulations - packed council chambers today for a hearing on the legislation. After hearing hours of testimony, council declined to entertain a vote on the legislation and instead sent it back to Mayor Collins.

“That $1,000 is way too much,” said Phil Barone, owner of Rosie’s Italian Grille in Springfield Township. “I didn't make that much down there.”

Rosie’s is one of nine trucks that have operated downtown, mostly near Levis Square.

Mr. Barone said he was “ecstatic” that council didn't approve the new regulations.

Contact Ignazio Messina at: imessina@theblade.com or 419-724-6171 or on Twitter @IgnazioMessina.