ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The chefs who sell tacos, barbecue and other goodies out of food trucks say it’s just rude to park in front of a brick-and-mortar restaurant, and for the most part, they don’t do it.

But a proposal at City Hall would make it illegal – and that has many vendors simmering.

City Councilor Isaac Benton this week introduced a proposed ordinance that would restrict where food trucks can set up, in addition to establishing a new permitting system with fees.

The measure would prohibit food trucks from parking on a city street within 100 feet of a restaurant, unless they have permission.

But it also would loosen some restrictions. Food trucks, for example, could set up on private property in most areas, as long as the property owner agreed.

Benton said he supports food trucks in general, but traditional restaurants deserve consideration, too. Some restaurants have complained, he said, about food vendors parking right out front.

“Everyone likes them,” Benton said of food trucks. “I do, too, but sometimes there are conflicts – primarily proximity to existing restaurants where it might be somewhat unfair competition.”

Food-truck owners, meanwhile, fear the proposed restrictions are too broad, and they dispute that they’re unfair competition.

Find the entire article at abqjournal.com <here>