The Town of Chapel Hill looks like it is continuing the liberalization of regulations on food trucks within town limits.
Although the trucks — or “mobile food units,” as they are more officially known — are not banned outright in Chapel Hill, regulations are currently so confusing and prohibitive that they often act as an effective ban.
This board has been consistent in its support of food trucks in Chapel Hill, but a number of issues remain undecided.
We hope the town will not favor too-restrictive regulations that solely serve to protect traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants from increased competition.
There are already approximately 95 bars and restaurants in downtown Chapel Hill and they could serve as a sizeable lobby against food trucks.
Of course, students do not want to see more of Franklin Street’s restaurants go out of business, but late-night options can sometimes seem limited in an otherwise student-friendly town.
The rush in the few open restaurants at 2 a.m. in Chapel Hill could be alleviated and students’ options expanded if food trucks were allowed within town limits.
In Carrboro, it seems most food trucks are parked near bars at late hours, when many traditional restaurants are closed.
There is no good reason to prevent local entrepreneurs from starting innovative businesses that can satisfy the needs of a legitimate market.