A Maine Voices opinion article in today’s Press Herald asserts that the proposed food truck ordinance is unduly protective of brick and mortar restaurants.
Why? The theory seems to be that food trucks have an unfair advantage over restaurants because of their mobility, and thus that restaurants need the government to step in to negate that advantage.
This theory is just that — a theory, and a foolish one to boot. If a restaurant needs protection from a food truck, then there is probably something wrong with the restaurant.
It is worth noting that this is *not* a matter of ‘Maine Voices as the tagline notes that ‘Bert Gall is a senior attorney and Katie McLay is a law clerk at the Institute for Justice, a libertarian public interest law firm based in Arlington, Va.’
Should they lift the proposed restriction on setbacks from where food trucks operate, legally they’ll need to do it for all food carts as well.
Not bloody likely!
Alternatively, and just as absurd, the City Council could institute the 65 foot setbacks for brick and mortar restaurants too. Set backs are a lousy idea for everyone, especially for consumers who want a choice in where they eat.
Or we could use the approach Boston does in which it strictly limits both the number and locations of all food trucks / carts.
Or possibly that of Seattle which effectively outlaws them completely.
Brick and mortar restaurants contribute huge amounts of cash collectively to governments, landlords, and vendors. It’d be foolish to think for a moment that they won’t be the dominant player in this debate.
I think it’s a great idea to have a destination spot for all the trucks! End of problem.
Enough already…When are people going to realize that PORTLAND has become a HUGE destination spot…I hate to break it to everyone….PEOPLE love food trucks…there are even tours in other cites just to see the trucks….its a win win…
If people want to go to a restaurant, sit down and have some drinks, they’ll go to a restaurant whether a food truck is nearby or not. I think they both serve their own purposes and will be able to co-exist! Much ado about nothing, welcome food trucks!