The bill's implementation is expected to increase the viability of restaurants in unincorporated areas by enabling them to meet permit requirements more easily. By allowing food trucks to integrate into the sales calculation, restaurant owners could leverage the synergy created by the presence of food trucks to attract more customers. As the Indiana Code is amended to reflect this new provision, it may also encourage new entrepreneurial opportunities in the food truck industry, enhancing local economies and community engagement in these regions.
Summary
House Bill 1249 seeks to amend the Indiana Code to provide a framework for restaurants located in unincorporated areas to satisfy the minimum gross food sales requirement for a three-way alcohol permit. The bill allows the combined food sales from both the restaurant and a food truck selling near the restaurant during the restaurant's hours of operation to count towards the gross sales necessary for obtaining the permit. This change is particularly aimed at supporting restaurant owners who wish to diversify their food offerings and increase their sales potential in areas not incorporated into towns or cities.
Contention
However, there may be concerns regarding the impact of this bill on existing licensed food establishments. Critics might argue that blending the sales of permanent establishments with temporary ones could undermine business fairness, potentially leading to competition disparities within local markets. Questions may also arise about the regulation of food trucks in terms of hygiene and compliance with safety standards, as the bill does not explicitly address how these operations will be monitored and regulated in relation to existing restaurants.