MT. PLEASANT, SC – Tuesday, Mount Pleasant town council members approved the first reading for a one-year food truck pilot program, but there is support for both sides of this issue.

Mayor Billy Swails says he wants food truck operators to know he is on their side and is looking forward to seeing the trucks around town and hopes to have a food truck rodeo soon

Tony Page owns Page’s Okra Grill on Coleman Boulevard. Page told the committee he would like to see a limit on the number of food trucks allowed in town.

“I’m all for food trucks provided there’s no competitive end provided,” Tony Page said, owner of Page’s Okra Grill on Coleman Boulevard. Page questioned liability issues for the town.

The proposed pilot is a one-year program based on common regulations used in other towns. Under the new regulations, food trucks will be allowed to park across the street from brick and mortar restaurants, just not in their parking lots or on their property. Food trucks will be able to provide seating if needed as long as the food trucks get a permit and permission from where they are serving.

At the end of the year long program, more permanent regulations will be developed based on feedback, according to town officials. The pilot includes requiring a town license and DHEC approval for the trucks.

The pilot program will have to be approved for a second and third reading before it can go into effect.