We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Over the past few years, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington has had plenty to say about how mobile vendors should be regulated in D.C., often butting heads with the food truck community.
The association submitted lengthy public comments to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in the past three rounds of rulemaking. But the group’s comment was notably missing this time around. Why? D.C. government officials already know what they have to say, explains president Kathy Hollinger, and further comment did not seem “necessary/appropriate.” She sent Y&H the following statement about RAMW’s decision not to comment on proposed food truck regulations:
Over the last three years, RAMW has made its position on the vending regulations clear to the Executive through three comment letters in response to three sets of proposed vending regulations. Although the published regulations invited further public comment to the Executive, the fact of the matter is that the proposed regulations are now before the Council, where they will be approved, disapproved, or deemed disapproved if no action is taken. Consequently, unless the proposed regulations are withdrawn by the Mayor from Council consideration, further comment on them to the Executive did not seem necessary/appropriate. RAMW will be communicating with Council Members about the proposed regulations as the matter proceeds.
UPDATE: RAMW does plan to participate in the D.C. Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ public hearing on the proposed regulations on May 10.
Photo by Darrow Montgomery