Like many aspects of life in Massachusetts, local municipalities have control over the mobile food businesses in their districts. However, as these enterprises have grown in popularity, the process for permitting them become unwieldy. We’ve heard from food truck vendors who say the process of getting permits for each town is cumbersome and time-consuming. Legislation filed by Rep. Hogan’s will work to create standards and remove unexpected hurdles.

 

Under the provisions of the bill, the Commonwealth’s public health commissioner would be tasked with establishing standards, rules and regulations, and costs of inspections.

 

Currently, food trucks in Massachusetts are required to meet certain provisions under the Retail Food Code, and must also secure certification from the Boards of Health in each of the towns where they operate.

– Often, those municipalities have their own set of standards, inspection practices and timelines, and fees – making the process expensive and time-consuming for the food trucks.

– Towns decide how long the permits are valid and can require separate permits for individual events if they wish.

– But, more than the fees, food truck owners have identified the time it takes to secure the certifications and the redundancies

– In addition to being an onerous process for the food trucks, event organizers have shared that it can be difficult to attract food trucks due to these hurdles.

 

Good for the industry:

– There is widespread support for the bill amongst mobile food establishments and it is viewed as a way to grow the industry

– Some mobile food businesses may grow and evolve into brick-and-mortar restaurants, which will increase meal availability, taxes and employment