Can food trucks sell alcohol?

There are occasions in which food trucks can sell alcohol, but they are rare. Liquor permits are controlled by local and state liquor control authorities that tightly control the permits. In 2011, The New York Times reported that the city granted its first liquor license to a food truck with the stipulation that alcohol would be consumed to a specific seating area close to where the truck parked.

As the New York situation indicates, liquor licenses confine the sale of alcohol to specific areas. Food trucks, by definition, are mobile.

Some jurisdictions offer temporary liquor licenses for special events and festivals. Food trucks can sometimes secure temporary licenses.

That being said, food trucks are very popular with patrons of bars and breweries. These establishments often want food trucks close to their premises since patrons are inclined to remain nearby and continue to purchase alcohol.

Many food truck festivals are held in conjunction with craft beer festivals.