Outdoor food truck can once again sell beer and wine at festival

An outdoor food truck can once again sell beer and wine at its festival in the summer in Walnutport.

On a unanimous measure, borough council on Thursday granted the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority’s Everything Outdoors Food Truck Festival permission to sell beer and wine at its event on July 25.

Council approved the matter after Mayor Wayne Weidner said he had no problem with the endeavor, provided they’re able to come up with a special occasion license, along with the insurance to cover it.

That decision came after Weidner said in September that alcohol can be sold at events in the borough, but that an alcohol permit and insurance waiver were needed.

Weidner said that way, the insurance liability wouldn’t fall on the borough.

The issue of where alcohol should be permitted in the borough had previously come up at both council’s August and July meetings.

At the July meeting, the question was asked if there would be police coverage for the second annual Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority’s Everything Outdoors Food Truck Festival held that month.

Jeanne Boehrer, president of the Walnutport Canal Association, questioned how they were able to have alcohol permitted for their event when the canal association was told alcohol was not permitted.

Boehrer said the canal association previously lost four to five rentals at its pavilion this year because it wasn’t allowed to have alcohol at the pavilion.

Weidner had made an exception for alcohol to be sold at the food truck festival.

Councilwoman Patrice Hunsicker said the point of having alcohol at the food truck festival was to add to the revenue for the recreation authority.

The festival was held July 27 in the borough park on Lincoln Avenue, and borough officials touted it as a huge success.

In August, borough secretary Annette Lacko said that the insurance company advised against alcohol being permitted.

Boehrer then questioned what happens if someone asks for an exception.

Weidner said an exception could be made for a special event, if a permit is secured that day.

He said he has no problem with the idea as long as the insurance liability doesn’t fall on the borough.