Mr Meikle said it was all part of the burgeoning hospitality industry that was being driven by food whereas the consumption of alcohol was going down.
They were offering an alternative every Friday evening to the craziness of Mount Maunganui where parking was at a premium, he said.
He originally sought a variation to his liquor licence into the park from 5pm to 9pm, to take advantage of what daylight saving offered outdoor dining. However, this failed because he did not own the land.
The special licence would cover a fenced off area measuring about 30sq m, enough room to allow four food trucks to operate in the reserve, along with musical entertainment.
Mr Meikle praised the council's events team for allowing Street Food Union to operate on the reserve. It had been there since August, prior to which it operated as Food Truck Friday outside RPM shop in nearby Hull Rd.
Last Friday's event was a sell out, with the food trucks using up all their food. Mr Meikle saw good prospects to grow Street Food Union in future years. It would continue over the winter months, although not necessarily accompanied by alcohol sales.
Ms Duffy said Soper Reserve had never been used on a regular basis for events, with only the three summer time gigs organised by The Rising Tide Bar. ''Otherwise it is never used.''
She supported the application, saying they were trying to be responsible hosts. ''It is a safe environment...on the grand scale, it is quite small.''
There were 400 food truck and food marquee operators on their books, with all but 10 per cent being local sellers.
If the special licence was declined, she would still carry on but it would be less appealing because people would be unable to sit outside and have a burger and beer.
Street Food Union
Where: Soper Reserve, Newton St
When: 5pm to 9pm every Friday
Food: Four food trucks
