Milwaukee officials consider reversing downtown 10 p.m. food truck curfew

City officials passed the curfew in April aiming to cut back on loitering and curb crime along Water Street.

MILWAUKEE —

Milwaukee officials are considering reversing a 10 p.m. food truck curfew downtown, with the Common Council set to vote on the proposal next week.

Joab Medina, an employee at Mr. Taco Food Truck stationed on Water Street, expressed his relief at the potential change. “Thanks to God,” Medina said.

Medina said the curfew would have been an inconvenience to business.

“It would have really put a hurting on us,” Medina said, adding, “I would probably say that 80% of our business is after 10 o’clock at night.”

Alderman Bob Bauman introduced legislation this week to reverse the curfew back to 1 a.m., after originally proposing the 10 p.m. cutoff.

“We legislated on the food truck issue. Why? Because MPD told us that would assist them in maintaining order and dispersing crowds. We tried. The courts shut us down. That’s now stuck in limbo.” Bauman said.

The curfew was initially intended to reduce loitering and crime in the entertainment district, but food truck operators felt unfairly targeted.

“It was more finding somebody who they could put the blame on,” Medina said.

The restriction faced legal challenges shortly after its implementation. The owner of the Fatty Patty food truck sued the city, leading a judge to temporarily block the curfew.

“He was the one that stepped up for everybody else,” Medina said.

Bauman acknowledged the legal uncertainty surrounding the curfew.

“It could be two years before we get a decision clarifying whether we even have the authority to do that,” Bauman said. The new legislation aims to eliminate the curfew and avoid prolonged legal battles.

Medina emphasized the importance of the reversal for food truck operators.

“It makes us all happy because we are able to work and we are able to take care of our families,” Medina said.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson told 12 News he supports the proposal to bring the curfew back to 1 a.m. The Common Council Public Safety and Health Committee will vote on the matter Friday, with the final decision resting with the full Common Council.