June 30, 2014
Zaina Kahuk
News Writer
Headlines
Last month, the D.C. council voted to put more force behind keeping food trucks to keep away from the National Mall. Park police can issue fines up to $300 and take you to jail. Park police gave many warnings to vendors before they began throwing people in jail such as Muhammad Liaqat for unauthorized vending. No charges were filed. Food vendors decided on Saturday to park and protest on the National Mall but not sell any food. Instead, they had wanting customers sign their petition. Vendors are put into a lottery system for busy areas during the week in D.C., but there are limitations. “When you are selected for lottery, most people here will get two to three days a week that you are allowed to work in a busy, congested place,” said Salama. “I can’t vend two days a week and support my family and pay for my business expenses and pay for my employees and pay taxes when I’m working only two days a week,” said Will Salama, owner of Stuffies Food Truck.
