Food truck rules need re-think, says federal competition watchdog

The federal Competition Bureau is calling onmunicipalities to re-think their rules around food trucks in a bidto encourage the popular choice for many Canadians looking for aquick and tasty meal.

• City of Guelph holds open house discussion about food trucks
• Windsor, Ont. councillor calls for food truck freedom
• Saskatoon looks to loosen food truck rules

The bureau says flexible regulations could mean more choices andgreater competition.

In its latest issue of the Competition Advocate, the regulatorsays the benefits can include attracting new customers, improvedstreet vitality and jobs.

In some places, food trucks have evolved beyond hot dogs, friesand poutine in recent years with upscale offerings such as fishtacos, sushi and curries from around the world.

However, municipalities often limit where food trucks canoperate, how long they can be open and the number of food trucksthat are permitted in a given area.

• Kitchenersoftens food truck rules
• London, Ont. food truck operators say they've turned a corner

The bureau says that while regulations can serve legitimatepolicy goals, some restrictions may go further than necessary.