Independent Operators

South Carolina town enacts new food truck rules

July 22, 2020

Those aiming to launch a food truck operation in Ridgeland, South Carolina, will have to follow some new rules approved by the town council.

One requires a permit and the others require state Department of Health and Environmental Control inspection decals on a truck or trailer, as well as a business license and liability insurance, according to a Bluffton Today report.

The rules come as more food trucks are in business given the COVID-19 pandemic which shut down brick-and-mortar restaurants for weeks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Food trucks and trailers must collect local hospitality tax and can't dump oil or grease into sewer or storm drains. The trucks are allowed to serve from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Operators must stay at least 250 feet from a brick-and-mortar restaurant unless they get written permission from the restaurant owner.