THE owner of a popular North Ayrshire chip van has hit out at a rule which affects sales by limiting their time in one area.
Calum Kennedy fears Joanna’s Chippy Van may no longer be able to trade in the community, claiming a rule which means they can only stay in a spot for 20 minutes curtails their trade.
The chip van regularly stops at Irvine's Castlepark Community Centre, Bourtreehill and Montgomerie Park, as well as going to Saltcoats.
Mr Kennedy said: “The 20-minute rule doesn’t reflect how modern mobile catering operates today. Our priority is safety, and moving a fish and chip van that frequently, with hot oil onboard, can actually increase risk rather than reduce it.
"By the time we have set everything up, it is time to move on.
“In reality, by the time we stop, heat up the fryers, and begin serving, 25 minutes are gone and it’s time to start moving on again. Are we expected to keep fryers running while driving? That simply wouldn’t be safe or practical.
“We also make a conscious effort to park responsibly at all times, ensuring we choose suitable locations that do not cause congestion or disrupt traffic flow. This rule has been in place since 1982.
“I believe it’s time this condition is properly reviewed and abolished to reflect current standards and allow businesses to operate safely.
"We have been in the business for four years. South and East Ayrshire don’t have this rule, this is something that North Ayrshire have added. Even a stop for an hour would be good.
“We are trying to build up in North Ayrshire but are being kicked down."
Mr Kennedy continued: “It suits ice cream vans better than us as they don’t have much setting up to do.
“We really need an hour to trade at each stop. One lady who had a coffee bar in North Ayrshire did not have the same problems in East or South Ayrshire but she was sitting longer than 20 minutes and was hounded by the Licensing Department.
“Our business is boosting the local economy and we have built up a good run in North Ayrshire.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The licence granted in this case is a standard one that applies to traders of this nature. It is not unique to any one business. We are in contact with the business to offer relevant advice and guidance.”
There are three street trading options for operators:
- Static – if you intend to trade at a specific site(s) for longer than 20 minutes.
- Itinerant – if you intend to trade from many locations, remaining at one site for a maximum of 20 minutes before moving on.
- Events – if you intend to trade at temporary events throughout North Ayrshire. For example, galas and fetes, with the permission of the event organiser.
Traders can apply to be licensed for events only. They can also apply for static or itinerant trading with the option of also trading at events.
Joanna’s Chippy Van applied for and was granted an Itinerant licence.
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