JOINT RELEASE: Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Support Small Business
DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to streamline the licensing and permitting process for food truck operators.
“Food trucks are a great option for entrepreneurs who want to jump into the restaurant scene without high overhead costs,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Colorado was recently added to the Michelin Guide, driving up interest in local talent who want to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. This law streamlines small business permitting so they can focus on making delicious food, not filling out paperwork.”
“Small business owners and consumers across our state should have access to all of the innovative restaurant options Colorado’s hospitality industry has to offer,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “With this new law, arbitrary regulations and red tape won’t hinder the trailblazing restaurateurs across Colorado from supporting themselves and other small businesses.”
“This new law modernizes food truck permitting to help Colorado small businesses thrive,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “The food truck scene is popular throughout Colorado, but barriers like duplicative licenses and stringent restrictions make it difficult to run a successful business. With this legislation, we’re making it easier for Coloradans to operate their food truck businesses to boost local economies and small business owners while ensuring health standards are met for consumers.”
HB25-1295, also sponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, will establish reciprocity amongst the state and individual local governments for food truck licensing and permitting to cut red tape. Businesses are required to hold a valid fire safety permit and food safety license, and local governments will retain their authority to enforce their laws, regulations, and codes.
Under the new law, if a food truck operator holds a valid fire safety permit from one local government, they can use that same permit to operate in other cities and counties across Colorado rather than having to obtain a separate one for each jurisdiction. The law requires local governments to honor these permits so long as basic health and safety standards are met, and the food truck provides a copy of the proper credentials to the local government whose jurisdiction they will be operating in at least 14 days before they start doing business there.
Additionally, the new reciprocity provisions would also apply to Denver retail food licenses and state health department licenses, which will cut back the number of separate licenses food trucks are required to have to operate in multiple jurisdictions across the state. Under the law, a food truck with a valid state health department license is allowed to operate in Denver so long as it submits the necessary documentation to the city, displays the license while operating and complies with applicable local regulations. Possession of a Denver retail food license now also allows a food truck to operate in other jurisdictions, provided the truck complies with the local laws.
Many food trucks have been able to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, including Mama Jo’s Biscuits and BBQ, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, Kiké’s Red Tacos and three-time James Beard Award nominee, Yuan Wonton.