The council is proposing to allow only four food vans to operate in the area through a selection criteria and a permit to trade in the area for 12 months. 

Food for Dudes owner Ben Chapman said he was “a lot happier” with the council’s new proposals. 

“It seems pretty fair now,” he said. “But I still think before they do anything, they really should consult with maybe a committee of people who run food vans at High Street at the moment, or who want to start.”

“Once they speak to us, then they could make a better selection criteria on what they want future vans to do and fee wise in what we’re willing to pay and what they’re willing to offer us.” 

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The council’s general manager Michael Stretton said its original proposal, which was discussed at Monday’s strategic planning and policy committee meeting, included a rotational policy for Eat Street. 

“Feedback from food van operators and Aldermen was that a rotational system did not support a sustainable business model for the van operators,” he said. “The City of Launceston believes the most equitable system is to establish a selection criteria system to be put in place for the food vans to operate in High Street.”

The council would call for expressions of interest from van operators addressing criteria from February 2018.  

Under the new regulations, Mr Stretton said Eat Street would be unnecessary to “patrol” Eat Street for vendors not complying. 

He also said vans would be able to use other locations, including the new Northbank area, in about eight months. The council also plans to invest in new infrastructure, including a new irrigation system, for the park.