Sticky Situation for Unwanted BBQ Vendors in Dumfries

By URIAH KISER

DUMFRIES, Va. — Saturday will be a good day for roadside barbeque vendors in Dumfries. The annual Charter Day celebration will be held there tomorrow, and that means grill masters can set up shop and satisfy the cravings of those who love slow-smoked meats in savory sauce.

But on the majority of days when there is no festival, roadside food vendors are not wanted here, though many if not all have the proper licenses and approvals from the health department. Even if they have permission from a private property owner, these roving vendors will be told to pack up and leave.

“They do a wonderful job, they have their health certificates on display, the food is wonderful, the competition is great, Dumfries is becoming the mecca for barbeque smokiness,” said Dumfries Mayor Gerald M. Foreman.

The town’s code prevents officials from issuing business licenses to roadside food vendors, many of whom make barbeque. It’s a bit odd, since last weekend the town held its “Dumfries Barbeque Battle” during its third annual Multicultural Festival.

Barbeque stand owners have complained, town staff has been forced to look at ways to change the code, and all this has made politicians worry that the town is sending the message: closed for business.

“This is money we are instantly losing because they’re going down the street to Prince William County and setting up there…it’s unfortunate because we’re driving businesses out to a location that they’ll maybe enjoy more,” said Town Council member Kristin Forrester.

Town staff has been working to address the issue since last month, when it was brought to the attention of the Town Planning Commission. But, since there are so many issues with the town code to be addressed in this matter, changing the barbeque rule will take time, officials said.

“If it’s part of an event, then they’re under the umbrella in the code that allows them to be there as part of an event. But right now the code does not permit them to have an established business on the side of the road,” said Dumfries Economic Development Director Debi Sandlin.

On the bright side, the Charter Day celebration will be held Saturday in the town’s Merchant Park next to the Weems-Botts Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And, yes, we’re told there will be barbeque.