Under current law, food trucks in the Short North have already been ordered to cease operations by 2:30 a.m.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – City leaders announced Thursday additional security measures for the nightlife scene in the Short North Arts District.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he is issuing an executive order to close food carts at midnight in an effort to curb violence.
The current food truck legislation, which came into effect at the beginning of May, determines when mobile food trucks can operate. They must be closed by 2:30 a.m., and completely off the street by 3 a.m
Adam Wallace is the owner of Feed the Need Food Carts. He said Gunter’s statement came as a shock to him after he learned about it from a friend.
“It means you are not working. They’ve already limited the hours you can work, they’ve already limited the time you can work,” Wallace said.
Wallace said at least 55 licensed vendors operating in the Short North will be affected.
“Restaurants don’t close until 11 p.m. We are not trying to compete with restaurants,” he said.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said he plans to sign the ordinance Thursday night.
“I’m asking everyone to step up and do their part to keep this area and areas across the city safe,” he said.
During Thursday’s announcement, Ginter called for a voluntary curfew and asked for restaurants and bars to close at midnight. The curfew will be in effect on weekends only until further notice.
Additionally, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced that more officers will be patrolling the area from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
The police impose a strict curfew on teenagers. Persons between the ages of 13 and 17 will not be admitted to the area between midnight and 4:30 a.m.
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/short-north-food-carts-shut-down-mandate/530-1a615aef-bb9a-4be3-bd72-eb0140efa330
