A MOBILE chip van embroiled in a red-tape battle with council chiefs has been given major local backing.
The owner of Joanna’s Chippy Van, which operates throughout Ayrshire, previously hit out at a rule that limits how much time they can spend in one area.
Calum Kennedy fears the chip van may no longer be able to trade in the community because a rule which means they can only stay in a spot for 20 minutes curtails their trade.
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 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.”
Irvine Community Council has now thrown its weight behind their case.
Chairman Chris Pless said: “Part of the problem stems from the way the food vans are licensed in North Ayrshire.
“You can have a static licence or another one for the likes of fish vans and ice cream vans.
"Imagine the outcry if you had to leave a spot and so many people couldn’t be served – they would take it out on you, not the council.
“We will write to North Ayrshire licensing department on your behalf to get a copy of your licence and it would make sense to have proposed parity with other areas of Ayrshire.
"Surely you want to encourage local businesses here – we don’t want to be putting people off.”
Treasurer Jean Walker added: “It seems a ridiculous rule to just have 20 minutes as you can queue for that long in a chip shop.”
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.”
Share