Noticing more food vans operating in the region and the possibility of them establishing on private land, alderman Darren Alexander moved a motion at the council’s Monday meeting to draft regulations.

Alderman Alexander cited the list of costs including a TasWater levy, pest control and inspections a “bricks and mortar” business leasing permanent spaces in the CBD faced.

Alderman Alexander said food vans only paid a single cost to the council - between $900 and $1000.

"They can turn up in the afternoon on the side of the road and actually be competing with other businesses in the area," he said.

“My concern is these food vans are starting to turn up at the same places every Thursday Friday and Saturday.”

Alderman Alexander stressed he was not against food vans or people starting a business – but wanted to create a transparent even playing field for mobile and permanent businesses.

”My concern is that food vans have an unfair playing advantage and they are using that advantage against good, hard-working businesses in Launceston,” he said. 

Alderman Alexander called for similar “disruptive business models” such as Airbnb to be analysed. 

The motion was passed with alderman Janie Finlay abstained from voting.

She was “not comfortable with” the language of the motion and whether it was pre-empting the outcome.

In March the council voted to implement a lower speed limit when food vans were operating on High Street at St George’s Park.

The interim measure will be in place until September 30 while officers investigate alternative sites to locate ‘Eat Street’.

Alderman Alexander noted the thousands of dollars owners invested in their stores and paid to the council.

“They have a right to have a return on that investment,” he concluded.