Chip Van Left ‘Battered by Time’ by North Ayrshire’s 20-Minute Limit

A multi award-winning mobile chip van has called for a review of a North Ayrshire Council licensing rule which it says is making it difficult to trade safely and effectively.

Photo: Ayrshire Daily News

Joanna’s Chippy Van, which serves communities across Ayrshire, has been in contact with the local authority regarding a condition attached to its itinerant licence. The rule restricts traders to a maximum of 20 minutes at any one location before they must move on.

Owner Calum Kennedy says the limit does not reflect the realities of running a modern mobile catering business.

Calum Kennedy told Ayrshire Daily News:

“The 20-minute rule doesn’t reflect how modern mobile catering operates today. Safety has to come first, and moving a fish and chip van that frequently, with hot oil onboard, could actually increase the risk rather than reduce it.

“By the time we’ve stopped, heated the fryers and are ready to serve, we’re almost at the point where we have to move on again. It raises the question – are we expected to keep fryers running while driving? That’s neither safe nor practical.

“We have no issues operating under South Ayrshire or East Ayrshire Council licensing, and I want to be clear this isn’t about the council itself — it’s about this specific rule. I believe it’s time it’s properly reviewed so it reflects current standards and allows businesses like ours to operate safely.”

Under North Ayrshire Council’s licensing framework, street traders can operate under three main types of licence. A static licence allows traders to remain at a specific approved site for longer periods, while an itinerant licence is designed for businesses moving between multiple locations, with a maximum stay of 20 minutes at each stop. A separate licence is also available for those trading at organised events such as galas and fetes.

Joanna’s Chippy Van currently operates under an itinerant licence, reflecting its model of travelling between different communities rather than remaining in one fixed location.

However, Kennedy argues the conditions attached to that licence do not account for the setup time required for hot food vendors, limiting the business’s ability to serve customers effectively within North Ayrshire.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The licence granted in this case is a standard one that applies to traders of this nature. It is not unique to any one business. We are in contact with the business to offer relevant advice and guidance.”

Despite the challenges, Kennedy says the business remains committed to its customers and to continuing to trade across the region.

“We’ve worked hard to build up a good customer base,” he added. “We just want to be able to operate in a way that makes sense and keeps everyone safe.”