A few weeks ago, Los Angeles County supervisors passed a new law restricting taco truck vendors from selling their goods in any one location for more than an hour. Breaking the law means a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail. Although taco trucks were already required to move every 30 minutes, the punishment was a mere $60 ticket, if any at all. The ordinance "protect[s] the health and welfare" of L.A. county residents, says Gloria Molina, the County Supervisor who proposed the new law.
The harsher regulations will definitely affect the livelihood of many of these restaurateurs-on-wheels. Without a semi-permanent location, the trucks will lose loyal customers. Many pro-taco-truckers have started rallying against the county's decree. Save Our Taco Trucks responds to the new limitations and last night the unofficial-official Taco Truck Night was held. You can still show your support by signing the petition here.
Regardless of what happens in the long run, I am disappointed that this is happening at all. I can't imagine Berlin without all the falafel carts, or New York without its hot dog stands, or Taipei without its unregulated night markets (which is every market). Can you fathom Los Angeles without our beloved taco trucks? The only thing these vendors are guilty of is enriching our lives with delicious food and memorable experiences. Save our taco trucks!
If you aren't fortunate enough to have taco trucks in your area, you can at least satisfy your taco cravings this Cinco de Mayo with these festive recipes from Bon Appétit.Related Links from Bon Appétit on epicurious.com:
