Lake County Gazette

Concerns raised by council members, the Waukegan Police Department, and the city's Code Inspection staff have led to changes in the Mobile Food Vendor ordinance, which now regulates food payments and loud music.

According to the Waukegan City Council's July 1 agenda, the adopted amendments prohibit private businesses from hosting mobile food vendors unless the property owner pays for all the food in advance. This change also allows residents or block parties to host food trucks parked in private driveways, provided that the food is purchased in advance to serve guests.

The amendment also bans amplified sound or music. Food trucks are prohibited from playing loud music or using public address systems to attract customers.

Another amendment sets penalties for violations. According to the Waukegan City Council's July 1 agenda, after three violations of the ordinance, license revocation is automatic. The operator would not be allowed to apply for a new license for a year. Owners of private properties will be deemed to have maintained a nuisance on their property if an illegal mobile food vendor operates there, and they can be cited for that violation.

Alderperson Juan Martinez moved, and Alderperson Thomas Hayes seconded the motion to approve the amendments. Alderperson Keith Turner was the sole alderperson to vote against them.