Independent Operators

Milwaukee cancels food truck curfew

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 29, 2026

Summarize with

The Milwaukee Common Council has voted to repeal a curfew that required food trucks to shut down at 10 p.m. in the Water Street and 11 p.m. across the city. The curfew was previously blocked by Judge Jean Kies due to an ongoing lawsuit, according to a report by Urban Milwaukee.

The council had initially proposed the curfew as a way to limit violence due to loitering in Water Street. Food truck owners meanwhile argued that this was unfair as bars and restaurants stayed open until 2 a.m. in the area. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed the lawsuit on behalf of The Fatty Patty food truck.

Alderman Robert Bauman withdrew the ordinance to avoid litigation. The current curfew is at 1 a.m., but the city council is considering updating it to midnight.