What Legal Issues Can I Face as a Food Truck Owner?
What Legal Issues Can I Face as a Food Truck Owner?
Owning your own food truck can be exciting, but the operation brings certain legal obligations you should be ready to address. You need to maintain the appropriate licenses and permits to operate a food truck, and you need to stay within all applicable regulations. It should be noted that while you can may have a relatively easy time keeping up with all of your responsibilities today, new laws and regulations can result in difficulties you are not prepared to meet. As with restaurant ownership, appropriate risk assessments and insurance coverage can be vital to your long-term success. With the right protection, you can stay afloat when legal concerns lead to financial penalties.
You Need to Secure the Appropriate Licenses and Permits
Before you begin your food truck operation, you should have all licenses and permits secured. These documents can be especially important for anyone in food service, as there is a valid concern over public safety. Of course, you also need to make sure you have the appropriate registration and insurance for your food truck. Owning a vehicle that doubles as a business can feel liberating – you do have the power to move your operation, after all – but it does mean taking on the obligations of both.
Staying on Top of All Health and Safety Requirements
If a person alleges they suffered an illness because of your food, you may find yourself liable for their medical costs, and your reputation can suffer. You should be committed to keeping up with all public health and safety requirements. Any challenges from customers, or a forced closure due to violation, can be crippling or even bankrupting if you are not protected.
Avoiding Legal Concerns Around Competition
Your food truck’s success can be great for you, but worrying for other trucks and restaurants in your area. Competition laws have several aims, but they generally serve to protect consumers, keep businesses healthy, and take action against bad actors. A problem with your food truck could hurt your right to remain in competition with the other food service providers in your area.
Remember – Laws and Regulation Can Change Over Time
There are existing laws and regulations in place today that you will need to follow. What you need to remember is that you are accountable to these standards today…tomorrow may be a different story. When new laws and regulations are passed, you can find yourself responsible for new costs. You may find it difficult to continue working in a certain area, which can mean seeking new licenses and permits to work in a different setting. Unfortunately, you may find yourself liable in the face of regulations that passed without your knowledge! Because life as a food truck owner can expose you to these frustrating uncertainties, a stable insurance plan can be crucial to your survival over time.