Milwaukee aims to expand food truck regulatory power

Milwaukee's Public Safety and Health Committee is considering a proposal that would expand the city's power to discipline food truck operators, according to a report by Fox 6 Now.

Under the proposal, the city could suspend or revoke an operator's permission to use an assigned parking space for a city code violation. That would apply even if the violation happened somewhere else and had nothing to do with operating the truck.

The city sets aside public parking spaces for licensed food trucks, called Limited Operation Food Peddler Vehicle Zones. Operators using them must follow rules ranging from food regulations to public safety.

A complaint would not automatically cost an operator a space. To report a violation outside an assigned space, a person would have to file a written complaint with the city clerk and include photos and videos. The licensing committee would then review the evidence in an open meeting and could recommend suspending access to the space.

The proposal follows months of debate over food trucks in the city. In April, Milwaukee sought curfew restrictions on food trucks, citing public safety. Operators sued, and a judge blocked the rule before it took effect. Council members did not challenge the ruling.