Reprieve for The White Lady as iconic food truck gets 12-month licence extension – Stuff

Iconic Auckland food truck The White Lady has received a 12-month extension to its operating licence from Auckland Council.

Auckland Councillor Richard Hills confirmed the news on Thursday morning.

When I heard their extension was at risk I requested staff work with the White Lady to address issues to get a good outcome for such an iconic business in out city, he said.

I also asked that they not be blamed for things outside their control such as intoxicated people. Complaints from residents and businesses need to be followed up, theres also a need to take into consideration that the city centre is a different beast to most local neighbourhoods.

READ MORE:* The White Lady's fate hangs in balance as food truck licence set to run out

Operations Manager Max Washer said he was ecstatic about the news.

Chris McKeen/Stuff

This comes as the future of the truck was in doubt as its current mobile trading licence was set to expire on September 30.

On behalf of my family, our staff, and all our customers past, present and future we want to thank Auckland Council for believing that our little business has a place in this great city.

We know about the escalating violence in the city however I can tell you that the area around the White Lady is probably the safest in the city at night.

Whether theyre businesses on wheels, or brick and mortar, people want to be part of a positive vibrant night-life and thats what were here for, to feed hungry people living their lives.

This comes as the future of the truck was in doubt as its current mobile trading licence was set to expire on September 30.

The much-loved food truck, which is Auckland's longest-running food truck and has been going for more than 70 years, came under scrutiny in April when Auckland Council reduced its annual licence to six weeks.

Chris McKeen/Stuff

Operations Manager Max Washer said he was ecstatic about the news.

It came after a nearby business complained that smoke and odour was entering its store.

There were also complaints of litter and drunk customers blocking the stores entrance.

Operations manager Max Washer said theyd tried their best to rectify concerns raised by council inspectors who visited their site.

Signs were put up to discourage littering and loitering, more bins were set up, and staff conducted regular checks around the site to monitor rubbish.

Auckland Council licensing and regulatory compliance general manager Mervyn Chetty said on Wednesday they were heartened by the progress made by The White Lady team.

Auckland Council has been approached for comment.

See the original post here:

Reprieve for The White Lady as iconic food truck gets 12-month licence extension - Stuff