Information from the city states prior to the amendment, there was no mechanism in Lakeway’s code of ordinances allowing for council to approve such vendors.
Among the adjustments to Chapter 10 if the city code, council approved the addition of the definition of a special event.
The new language states a special event is “A temporary event, gathering, or organized activity, including but not limited to street fairs, craft shows or fairs, trade shows, assembly events, races, runs, rallies, parades, or other similar events or attractions” that are held on city property and are typically held outdoors, among other stipulations.
"This is not going to be an 'every Saturday' thing, or even for events happening quarterly," Lakeway Building and Services Director Charlotte Hodges said, adding that all temporary food vendors will be required to acquire all of the necessary permitting to sell fare at special events.
Though council did not make a specific connection, the amendment comes just in time for the upcoming Lake Travis Film Festival, which will hold special events in Bee Cave and Lakeway on Feb. 27-March 1.
Council Member Steve Smith objected to the amendment, citing the Lake Travis Film Festival and reasoning that because that event was specifically approved and partially funded through the city's hotel occupancy tax fund, allowing outside food trucks could potentially siphon money away from local restaurants.
Ultimately, the amendment passed 5-1.
