ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Alexandria City Council is considering making changes to a current ordinance that was implemented almost a decade ago.
On Monday, WUSA9 spoke to the owners of Flavor Hive, who called one of the regulations in the food truck ordinance unfair.
"The 8 p.m. rule has just been the biggest challenge because we have to close down by 8 p.m. but there's people who don't get off of work until 10 p.m.," said Shihan Chowdury.
According to the Alexandria City Food Truck Ordinance, food trucks can only operate between 7a.m. and 8 p.m.
"People are working late, they're working two jobs. When they do get off work their only option is fast food places," said Chowdury.
Tuesday night, Mayor Justin Wilson brought Chowdury's concerns up during the Alexandria City Council meeting.
"I'd like to request that we consider an amendment to the food truck ordinance. To push back the time to something a little bit later," said Mayor Wilson.
In July of 2014, the City of Alexandria launched a food truck pilot program, that included some of the strict regulations, that were implemented to appease those who were concerned about the impacts on things like public safety and other small businesses.
City officials describe the conversations in 2014 about the food truck ordinance as contentious. They say while many of the brick and mortar restaurants weren't completely opposed to the idea, they want limited areas where the food trucks could vend.
There was "a fear that you'd have food trucks literally setting up in front of their business and that's not something that's facilitated by the ordinance," said Mayor Wilson.
Tuesday night, the council seemed opened to the idea of changing the ordinance.
"Free the food trucks. I've always thought our ordinance was a little bit too restrictive. Coming from LA, some of the best food I've ever eaten," said Councilmember Canek Aguirre.
"I support the Mayor's initiative to loosen the regulations," said Councilmember Krik McPike.
Councilmember John Taylor Chapman added that given there are only a few food trucks operating in Alexandria at the moment, this may be a good time to test out some changes.
"I think there's an opportunity to adjust this policy and see if that policy has negative effects. This could easily be a test case for us. This is a great opportunity for us to see if this is efficient for us and the business or if this does open other issues or a Pandora's box of issues," Councilmember Chapman.
The Mayor told WUSA9 that there will be an opportunity for public comment on the matter on May 18.