Taco Trucks in LA allowed to stay!

A few months ago, there was a move from lawmakers to curb the freedoms allowed to taco trucks from operating within city limits. Among these restrictions, trucks were to remain at any one location while in operation no longer than an hour was one of the more critical points. By restricting a trucks ability to have a 'regular' and consistent location, you diminish the ability for a truck to conduct its business successfully as a whole. 

A taco truck doubles as is its own advertising, and if it not parked at a known location regularly, interest can wane, and can eventually be neglected over time by its patrons.

For me to read this morning then, that the taco truck ordinance which had been overruled in August by a city judge would not be appealed by the city attorney is a breath of fresh air from a seemingly out of touch local legislation. Advocates are cheering, but it is not without some detraction.

Brick and mortar restauranteurs complain that the trucks drive away business, and that they can become a nuisance. Presumably, they mean the people traffic and loitering of its patrons.

In our society, we have free and open commerce, and the trucks should be allowed to operate where they so choose, so long as they do not pose a danger to itself or its patrons. Just as these restaurants have competition from the trucks, so too do they compete with grocery stores, convenience stores, and the ever-present food vendors in LA, particularly in East LA, who sell fresh fruits, tamales, churros and elotes (corn on the cob). These trucks are in fact competing against restaurants, who have seating room, larger selections, and established histories.

To know that I can count on McDonalds to always be there when I want a Big Mac, or Tommy's to have the shack open when I want a chili burger is something taken for granted, as it should be. When I want to rely on a known truck that serves good food, I should be able to know where it is, not play a guessing game, right?

In this spirit of this decision, I'm holding off from posting my next review, which is ready to go, in lieu of pursuing the 'hunt' at a taco truck to commemorate the occasion =)

Tacos allowed to stay in LA, free from restrictions via ABC Local News, via AP News.