Food Truck Frenzy: Wilkes-Barre’s New Ordinance Faces Compliance Challenges
The culinary landscape of Wilkes-Barre is home to a vibrant array of food trucks, offering everything from gourmet tacos to delectable desserts. However, as the city implements its new food truck ordinance, a number of operators are struggling to keep up with the evolving regulations. With over three months since the ordinance took effect, the question on everyone’s lips is: Are these mobile food vendors stepping up to meet the new standards?
Public Restroom Requirements: A City Regulation
One of the pivotal provisions of the new ordinance mandates that public restroom facilities must be readily available when outdoor seating is provided. This is designed to ensure customer comfort and sanitary conditions, particularly at popular food truck hotspots.
But as of early this week, it was found that at least three food truck locations in the city, including a popular spot at the corner of Stanton and Hazle streets where the renowned Tacos La Catrina truck operates, were lacking portable toilets despite offering outdoor seating.
Alberto Roque, who was manning the Tacos La Catrina truck at the time, reached out to property owner Domingo Torres Marin, who seemed unaware of the ordinance’s requirements. Torres expressed doubt about the necessity of restrooms, claiming, “Most people just take their food and go.”
In Compliance or Not? Navigating Inspections
Saga continues as Torres Marin mentioned a recent visit from a city health inspector—who didn’t address the presence of a picnic table or lack of restroom facilities. Records indicate that the food truck was previously deemed “in compliance” as of April 25.
This raised eyebrows, especially since another food truck along Wilkes-Barre Boulevard faced scrutiny during a June 9 inspection for failure to maintain proper hot and cold food storage and insufficient handwashing stations, despite being marked compliant on restroom facilities.
The Voice of Authority: Insights from City Officials
City Councilwoman Jessica McClay, who championed the ordinance, underscores a core principle: “A food truck with a table is treated just like a restaurant.” For McClay, it’s simple; if brick-and-mortar establishments need to offer restroom access, so too do food trucks.
While inspections were scheduled to start in April, McClay expressed concern that not all inspections had been completed, emphasizing the hard work that went into establishing the ordinance.
Understanding Permission: A Critical Element
Another critical aspect of the ordinance requires food trucks operating on private property to obtain and present written permission from property owners. This documentation ensures accountability and proper oversight, effectively bridging the communication gap between food truck operators and landowners.
However, inquiries into the verification of these permissions yielded disappointing results. Mike Slusser, the city’s business license administrator, stated that these permission slips are retained within the food trucks themselves and are not held on record by the city.
The Education Phase: Bridging Gaps Before Enforcement
Henry Radulski, the Director of the City Health Department, assured that all mobile food facilities were thoroughly inspected following the ordinance’s enactment. Operators were verbally informed of the restroom requirements, with official reminders sent in mid-June, allowing until July 18 for full compliance.
Radulski noted that as part of this transition phase, educating food truck operators on their responsibilities is crucial. Future inspections will check compliance rigorously post-deadline.
The Battle Over City Property: Enforcement on the Horizon
Questions have also emerged regarding whether certain vendors are operating on City-owned property without proper authorization. It was revealed that one of them has tables set up but lacks restroom facilities, prompting city officials to monitor the situation closely.
Moreover, Charles McCormick, the City Administrator, clarified, “We have not authorized any food trucks to operate on the right-of-way,” indicating the need for vigilance as the city navigates both compliance and enforcement.
Conclusion: The Future of Food Trucks in Wilkes-Barre
As Wilkes-Barre’s food truck scene evolves, the successful implementation of the new ordinance will depend on cooperation between operators, property owners, and the city. With educational efforts underway and compliance checks on the horizon, there’s hope that both delicious bites and regulatory adherence can coexist harmoniously.
For food lovers in Wilkes-Barre, keep your taste buds ready—change is brewing, and the culinary adventure is just beginning!
For more insights into city regulations and food safety standards, check out resources from Philadephia Department of Public Health.
