CINCINNATI – Cincinnati’s urban core is facing a new curfew that affects food trucks. Starting this Friday, they must close by 11 p.m. on weekends.
The city announced this sudden change without prior discussion with food truck owners. The Cincinnati Food Truck Association expressed frustration over the lack of communication. They question why food trucks, which serve late-night crowds, must close early when bars can stay open until 2:30 a.m.
“Food trucks are small businesses just like bars,” said Amy Flottemesch, president of the association. “We face the same challenges and should have similar opportunities.”
According to a city spokesperson, the curfew aims to maintain public safety, especially as crowds gather near popular nightlife spots. They noted that late-night food trucks can lead to large gatherings of people after bar closures.
Flottemesch raised a key point. “If we are pushed out, where do those hungry crowds go? They might just move to nearby bars like Goodfellas, which also serves alcohol.”
The food truck community has generally cooperated with city regulations but feels this new rule is a setback. They’ve already navigated strict regulations to operate legally, and changing the rules again seems unfair to many.
Council member Jan-Michele Lemon Kearny stated the change is part of a strategy to minimize post-drinking gatherings. However, she is open to revisiting the decision, noting, “Eleven seems a little early to me, but let’s see how it plays out.”
Interestingly, food trucks in Ohio can’t get a standard liquor license. They can only apply for a temporary license for events. This restriction complicates partnerships between food trucks and bars, especially when a bar needs food options.
According to a recent survey, 67% of food truck owners believe city regulations hinder their business growth. Many are worried about the impact of the new curfew on their weekend sales, which typically peak during late-night hours.
As food trucks continue to adapt, they’ll likely remain a topic of discussion in the city. Balancing safety with support for local businesses is crucial for Cincinnati’s vibrant food scene.
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Curfew,Food trucks,Cincinnati,Public safety,OTR,The Banks,Small business,Alcohol
