The North Carolina Court of Appeals heard arguments in a case challenging Jacksonville’s food truck regulations, with plaintiffs arguing that the rules infringe on their constitutionally guaranteed economic rights. The lawsuit alleges that the regulations severely restrict where food trucks can operate, effectively placing 96% of the city off-limits for them. Plaintiffs argue that the restrictions are unconstitutional and anti-competitive, preventing them from operating their businesses within the city.
The case has drawn comparisons to a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court in favor of race track owners, suggesting that economic rights should be protected even during times of crisis. Lawyers representing Jacksonville countered that the regulations are not prohibitive in the same way as other restrictions that have been overturned in the past.
The plaintiffs argue that the restrictions on food trucks are excessive and do not align with the city’s general purposes and intentions. They also claim that the enforcement of these regulations goes beyond the city’s legal powers.
The court has not yet issued a decision in the case, and the judges involved are considering the arguments presented by both sides. Jacksonville’s food truck regulations are at the center of this legal battle, with potential implications for food truck operators and their ability to do business in the city.
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