New Legislation Will Make it Easier for Food Trucks to Serve Georgia’s Communities

The top industry for Latino entrepreneurs is food service

ATLANTA, GA—Today, HB 1443, a bill that will reduce barriers for mobile food service establishments, such as food trucks, to operate in Georgia, was introduced in Georgia’s House Agricultural Committee.

Currently, Georgia state code limits the Department of Public Health and local county boards from requiring mobile food service units to operate a specific distance from the perimeter of an existing commercial establishment or enter into an agreement with a commercial establishment. This legislation would reduce red tape impeding on mobile food service establishments and expand their operability.

James Alvarado, grassroots engagement director for The LIBRE Initiative-Georgia, put out the following statement:

“Georgia’s current state code regulating where food trucks can operate is anti-competitive and stifles the growth and success of small business owners. Reducing the burdensome over-regulation of mobile food service establishments should be a top priority for Georgia’s legislature, so more small business owners can meet consumer demands.”  

Background:

• The top industry for Latino entrepreneurs is food service (18%).
• Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanics to choose entrepreneurship and are more likely than other groups to participate in the labor force.
• In the last decade, the number of Latino business owners grew 34% compared to 1% for all business owners in the Unites States.
• Over the last decade, Georgia’s Hispanic population grew 32%, constituting 9.9% of Georgia’s population.