(Lincoln) — Food trucks are soaring in popularity that those who own and operate them need a set of standard operating rules.
That’s the gist of some laws coming soon in Nebraska.of Agricultural Administration Center found a “hodgepodge” of food truck regulations in Nebraska city, county, and USDA inspection areas.
Jonathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs, said this could make business growth difficult. Across the country, he says his trucks will employ more than 38,000 people and generate $2.7 billion in revenue in 2021, and Nebraska has updated its laws to accommodate this growing industry. Said we need to join other states.
“Mainly, they all eliminated redundancies and simplified regulations, so now is the time to decide what that modernization should look like in Nebraska,” Hladik said. .
The Center worked with Senator Ray Aguilar to draft legislation that would allow Douglas, Hall, and Lancaster counties to comply with a “reciprocity agreement,” allowing each county to receive licenses from the other two counties. He said he would make it possible. Hladik said this is the first step to encourage a set of higher standards for food in his trucks statewide.
Hladik said owners who want to work at events such as the College World Series, Nebraska football games, and state fairs, for example, know they need to meet Douglas, Lancaster, or Hall county licensing standards. I guess.
“If everyone knew what the criteria were, there would be no uncertainty. You wouldn’t have to pay an extra permit every time you wanted to go to another county. We have to meet a higher standard if we want to go to, and we think this is a win-win for everyone involved,” he said.
He added that more than 500 towns, 93 counties and state agricultural departments all have varying capacities to establish food truck regulations.
Nick Maestas, owner of Muchachos Food Truck and Restaurant, said each location now seems to have different rules and permit requirements.
“It’s kind of a logistical nightmare figuring out what you need, who you need to pay, and how long in advance you have to do this. And hoodies like me (:10) We just want to go and serve our community, pay taxes in that community, and grow our brand at the same time.