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Boat show asks permission for food truck; council asks administration to review compatibility with restaurant‑protection rule
Summary
Organizers of the Newport International Boat Show asked to place a food truck within the 250‑foot restriction zone near existing restaurants for one exhibit site; councilors asked administration to review ordinance impacts and come back with recommendations before approving.
Organizers of the Newport International Boat Show asked the council for a temporary exception that would allow one food truck on a Perry Mill site despite an ordinance that generally prohibits mobile food vendors within 250 feet of existing restaurants.
Lisa Knowles, the boat‑show director, explained that some longtime concessionaires have converted to food trucks and cannot easily operate under tent-based concessions. "We found, for instance, Newport Chowder ... she's moved on to a food truck now and is unable to serve under a tent," Knowles said, asking the council to allow one truck for the four‑day show.
Councilors expressed concern about consistent application of the 250‑foot rule and protecting local restaurants from competition. The council voted to refer the request to the City Administration for review and asked staff to return recommendations at the next meeting, with the expectation that the administration would talk to nearby restaurants and propose controls if necessary.
