By STLToday.com
BRIDGETON • The Bridgeton City Council voted Wednesday to authorize city staff to draft regulations on mobile food vendors, which are not yet operating in Bridgeton but growing in popularity. The city has been approached by a potential vendor for the city’s southwest side, within the Earth City area.
Large mobile kitchens have replaced “lunch trucks” and push carts in some areas. Council supporters said residents and businesses would benefit from restricted, well-appointed mobile food operations. Opponents said established restaurants would be hurt, and the mobile operators would pay little tax to Bridgeton.
City attorney David Linebroker said an outright ban could lead to lawsuits against the city. But he added that Bridgeton has prevailed in litigation when it could show a good reason for excluding certain businesses.
Initial research by city planning officer David Bookless shows that some other area cities are undertaking the same study and considering legislation. Bridgeton planning staff will prepare recommendations for council consideration.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_ba819a2c-40fd-11e0-990e-0017a4a78c22.html
