Food truck owners allege city retaliated after voicing opposition to new curfew regulations.

Food truck operators in Philadelphia are alleging that the city is retaliating against them for voicing their opposition to a newly implemented business curfew. This complaint arose after several vendors testified at a City Council hearing regarding the curfew, only to face inspections from various city agencies shortly thereafter, which they interpreted as targeted harassment.

The contentious curfew, established without the signature of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, mandates that businesses in large portions of North Philadelphia, Kensington, and Northwest Philadelphia close by 11 p.m. Violation of this curfew could result in fines of up to ,000. The legislation is part of an initiative championed by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, aimed at mitigating what she describes as “nuisance businesses” that attract crime. This move expands upon a more limited curfew that Lozada previously instituted in 2024 for specific areas of Kensington.

In response to the allegations, the city’s Managing Director’s Office denied any claims of retaliation, asserting that enforcement actions were pre-planned and unrelated to the testimony given at the council hearing. A representative indicated that the inspections carried out were standard procedures within the ongoing enforcement of city codes.

Following the testimony, the city issued four citations related to “illegal electrical connections.” One vendor reported that his food truck was towed soon after he spoke against the curfew.

The Institute for Justice, a national libertarian architecture firm representing the affected vendors, has threatened legal action. A letter was dispatched to the city solicitor expressing concerns over potential violations of First Amendment rights and urging the city to preserve relevant documents. The legal representatives highlighted that prudent changes in city policy could avert costly litigation, such as refraining from retaliatory actions against dissenting voices.

Food truck vendors assert they have been protesting against the curfew since it was introduced earlier this year. They argue that increased enforcement has significantly impacted their earnings, forcing some to reduce staff. The vendors contend that their services provide affordable food to essential late-night workers who have no connection to the crime the curfew purports to combat.

The backlash has drawn attention to a wider concern among food truck owners regarding the city’s treatment of small businesses. Many operators feel isolated, stating that their concerns have been disregarded by elected officials. Eyewitness accounts from vendors indicate a perceived increase in inspections and actions taken against them post-testimony, reinforcing their claims of retaliatory behavior by the city.

Moving forward, the food truck community continues to voice their frustrations and seek changes, emphasizing their commitment to providing services that benefit the local community without contributing to crime. The ongoing situation reveals a complex intersection of business regulation, community needs, and the rights of vendors to express their opinions in a democratic society.