Can you believe that among the 51 States, DC already ranks LAST (#51) on a Small Business Survivability Index.
Small Businesses are facing yet another challenge.
DC is allowing food trucks to operate with little to no consideration for the laws, regulations and tax burdens that apply to every other business in the District. This wild west climate for mobile vending is another straw that could break the backs of many small businesses.
Neighborhood businesses pay the high rents and real estate, business, unemployment and sales taxes. They make substantial investments in their buildings. The Neighborhood business owners and managers work hard in the community to ensure safe and clean public spaces. Businesses and Landlords are also required to keep the sidewalks clean and free of snow and ice.
Food Trucks are being allowed to swoop in, park in front of and in close proximity to small businesses at peak times while ignoring parking regulations and fees. They collect their sales and simply drive off to their next location. They don't pay the high rents, don't pay fees for use of public space, don't pay business taxes, don't pay real estate taxes and don't charge sales tax.
Mobile Food Trucks are being awarded unfair advantages at the expense of Neighborhood based businesses.
- The proposed DC regulations do not require Mobile Food Trucks to charge sales tax.
- The proposed DC regulations SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT mobile food trucks from acquiring a designated site permit.
- The proposed DC regulations do not include the Public Space Committee process to manage the rental of public roadway locations.
Neighborhood based businesses are struggling to make up the lost revenue from much needed peak hour sales.
- Mobile Food Trucks should be required to charge and pay sales tax the same way that all Food Businesses are required to.
- Mobile Food Trucks should not be exempted from obtaining a designated vending site.
- Mobile Food Trucks should go through the same open and transparent Public Space Committee process that restaurants go through to rent public space.
If we don't stop to consider the implications of this inequitable treatment of brick and mortar restaurants, delis, coffee shops, carry outs and other small businesses we will find ourselves with fewer options in the future.
Whether you are a DC customer, resident, business owner or manager, please sign this petition supporting brick and mortar neighborhood businesses in their call for Fair and Transparent Food Truck Law and Regulations.
Updates
January 4, 2011
The volume of support has reached a level that the Department of Small and Local Business Development can no longer overlook. I have secured a meeting with the committee chair next week to present our formal proposal for tax equity. Documentation regarding the specific impact of unregulated vending on storefront revenue is currently being finalized for the hearing.
6 Comments
I really like the trucks but the city needs to make sure everyone is paying their fair share of taxes. Level the playing field.
DC hates small businesses. Everyone knows it.
Ridiculous. My shop pays thousands in taxes every year and these trucks just park and take all the business without paying a dime in rent. Total joke.
STOP THE TRIPLE TAXING ON SHOPS AND LET THEM COMPETE FAIRLY! UNBELIEVABLE.
The rent in this city is already impossible. Then you add this on top? Businesses are gonna close down left and right.
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Can you believe that among the 51 States, DC already ranks LAST (#51) on a Small Business Survivability Index.
Small Businesses are facing yet another challenge.
DC is allowing food trucks to operate with little to no consideration for the laws, regulations and tax burdens that apply to every other business in the District. This wild west climate for mobile vending is another straw that could break the backs of many small businesses.
Neighborhood businesses pay the high rents and real estate, business, unemployment and sales taxes. They make substantial investments in their buildings. The Neighborhood business owners and managers work hard in the community to ensure safe and clean public spaces. Businesses and Landlords are also required to keep the sidewalks clean and free of snow and ice.
Food Trucks are being allowed to swoop in, park in front of and in close proximity to small businesses at peak times while ignoring parking regulations and fees. They collect their sales and simply drive off to their next location. They don't pay the high rents, don't pay fees for use of public space, don't pay business taxes, don't pay real estate taxes and don't charge sales tax.
Mobile Food Trucks are being awarded unfair advantages at the expense of Neighborhood based businesses.
- The proposed DC regulations do not require Mobile Food Trucks to charge sales tax.
- The proposed DC regulations SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT mobile food trucks from acquiring a designated site permit.
- The proposed DC regulations do not include the Public Space Committee process to manage the rental of public roadway locations.
Neighborhood based businesses are struggling to make up the lost revenue from much needed peak hour sales.
- Mobile Food Trucks should be required to charge and pay sales tax the same way that all Food Businesses are required to.
- Mobile Food Trucks should not be exempted from obtaining a designated vending site.
- Mobile Food Trucks should go through the same open and transparent Public Space Committee process that restaurants go through to rent public space.
If we don't stop to consider the implications of this inequitable treatment of brick and mortar restaurants, delis, coffee shops, carry outs and other small businesses we will find ourselves with fewer options in the future.
Whether you are a DC customer, resident, business owner or manager, please sign this petition supporting brick and mortar neighborhood businesses in their call for Fair and Transparent Food Truck Law and Regulations.
Updates
January 4, 2011
The volume of support has reached a level that the Department of Small and Local Business Development can no longer overlook. I have secured a meeting with the committee chair next week to present our formal proposal for tax equity. Documentation regarding the specific impact of unregulated vending on storefront revenue is currently being finalized for the hearing.
6 Comments
Fix this now. How is it fair for one side to have all the overhead while the others just roll up on the curb?
I really like the trucks but the city needs to make sure everyone is paying their fair share of taxes. Level the playing field.
DC hates small businesses. Everyone knows it.
Ridiculous. My shop pays thousands in taxes every year and these trucks just park and take all the business without paying a dime in rent. Total joke.
STOP THE TRIPLE TAXING ON SHOPS AND LET THEM COMPETE FAIRLY! UNBELIEVABLE.
The rent in this city is already impossible. Then you add this on top? Businesses are gonna close down left and right.
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Fix this now. How is it fair for one side to have all the overhead while the others just roll up on the curb?