Wilkes-Barre City Council to Vote on New Food Truck Rules and Business License Renewal Terms

Wilkes-Barre City Council Set to Approve New Food Truck Rules and Business License Changes

Wilkes-Barre City Council is gearing up to give final approval to new regulations for food trucks and changes to business license renewal terms this week. The council approved the first readings of a food truck ordinance and an amendment to the city code regarding business licenses at their meeting on Feb. 27.

Currently, all business licenses in the city have an expiration date of April 30, with new businesses paying a prorated rate for their first license. However, if the amendment is passed on the second reading at Thursday’s meeting, all business licenses will now expire one year after they are initially awarded.

Mayor George C. Brown explained that this change will give city health inspectors more time to conduct necessary inspections, rather than having a rush of renewals all at once. The amendment is being made at the request of licensing staff.

In addition to the business license changes, final approval is also needed for a food truck ordinance that will regulate operating hours, permitted locations, and other aspects of food truck operations. Food trucks will be allowed to operate in the city between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m., with certain restrictions such as maintaining liability insurance and providing waste receptacles for customers.

The ordinance also prohibits certain nuisances such as continuous music or bright lighting from food trucks. Council will meet for a work session on Tuesday and a regular meeting on Thursday at City Hall, where public comment will be allowed. Stay tuned for updates on these new regulations that will impact businesses and food vendors in Wilkes-Barre.