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Equitable lincensing will help

Editorial comment zeros in on current issue of mobile food vendors, and related questions raised by 'brick and mortar' competitors

Weighing in on a local controversy can be a  simple and short process. Making making ideas public requires a fair bit of thoughtful consideration.

A current local issue with a relatively hot button, relates to the presence of mobile food vendors and how the city is regulating them. Not having actually staked out the trailer and van which are conspicuously located along our main drag, it appears that at least some of the time they’re doing a brisk trade. There have also been great reviews regarding the cuisine from both operations.

Points have been made by some local entrepreneurs as to the business playing field, and how level it is. The comments suggest a mobile business working prime locations in peak season could have an unfair advantage over an established eatery with a fixed address.

To the diner, the bottom lines are quality, choice and value... simply, the more the merrier. There’s a clear reason why mobile vendors are all the rage. They offer us variety and convenience.

The points made by the operators of “brick and mortar” establishments, about their commitment to the community, are every bit as compelling

City Hall definitely has its work cut out in coming up with a licencing formula that all affected parties can accept.