Apr 29

Getting Tipsy From Food Trucks?

Not all food trucks sell alcoholic beverages but some do. When the Turkish Taco Truck got a license to sell alcohol from its food truck, it was a milestone event. Their business name will forever be in the annals of history as being the first food truck with a liquor license. However, since then many food trucks have declined to apply for the same license. Why?
One reason is that food trucks given the permit to sell beer, spirits, or cocktails can only do so if the customer sits in his designated sitting area. One cannot buy a beer and walk away from the food truck, drinking it.  It would be a violation of the permit.
Another reason is that local governments are stingy about approving liquor licenses for fear of a backlash from bars and the general public. There is a certain element of risk involved that they are not willing to gamble on.
Early this 2013, 2 groups composed of local citizens filed a petition with the District of Columbia to put a moratorium for liquor licenses in 2 areas: the U Street NW and the 14th.  They cited increase in noise pollution, crime, and parking problems as their reasons.
However while all these reasons for not applying for a liquor license makes sense, there is one more: many food truck owners stand by their food and believe it doesn’t need alcohol to sell. In short, they’re proud of their menu.
People don’t go to food trucks to buy beer; they go to food trucks to buy something different, something special. They also patronize food trucks because it’s convenient and they are rushing.
When the Turkish Taco Truck got its permit in 2011, many thought it would start a precedent. The forecast didn’t really come true. Of course many food trucks also don’t have a sitting area which automatically will result in an approval of a liquor license. To have a sitting area means being in a more permanent setting and probably paying rent.

Related posts:

  • Alex Foodtruckguy

    I think alcohol and food truck is a great combinations. Think about it there’s always going to be a dumb-ass drinking alcohol on the street. Therefore I think it should be allowed to sell alcohol out of a food truck, because more than likely people just want to have a drink with their meal. If someone want to go around drinking in public I’m pretty sure they can get there alcohol at gas station or a liquor store.

    • disqus_qqMPQ9lITf

      I agree with you, Alex! I do wish their were a way to have the license and not force customers to stay where you are. I guess one would have to find an open area and have quick set up table and chairs!?

      • Paul Merrit

        A beer would be great while you wait on your food. But for people wishing to have a drink with their meal they probably have a little more leisure time so it wouldn’t effect sales to the ones whom are in a hurry after all it’s an optional purchase.