Are Evanston's Rules For Food Trucks Fair?

Since aldermen passed legislation to permit food trucks in Evanston two years ago, all has been relatively quiet on the street food front.

That is, until one donut truck last week, challenging its requirement that vendors who wish to obtain a year-long permit must be affiliated with a restaurant in the city. The city also limits food trucks from operating within a 100-foot radius of any local restaurant.

Beavers Donuts & Coffee argues that Evanston's food truck regulations treat local restaurant owners and food truck vendors from outside the city differently, violating the Illinois Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law. Meanwhile, the city maintains that its food truck requirements are justified under Evanston's authority as a Home Rule municipality, and are backed up by prior legislation.

What do you think? Should food trucks be barred from Evanston if they're not affiliated with a local business? Cast your vote in the poll below and explain your case in the comments.