Organized crime boosts wave of illegal hot dog carts

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

One reason food carts have been so wildly successful is that they get to operate outside a myriad of expenses that a traditional restaurant building has to endure.

Many are skipping those expenses further by setting up illegal food carts.

The Seattle area has witnessed a 300% increase in illegal food vendors.

Multnomah County warned in 2024 of a rise in illegal food carts.   It is suspected that they are tied to organized crime and using exploited labor.

Multnomah County featured this photo of an out-of-state vehicle bringing in five unlicensed mini-food carts.

Oregonians already know that many of their favorite restaurants have closed due to rising costs (taxes, fees, labor costs, electricity).   This cost spike not only closes restaurants but it creates incentive for the black market.

— Was this article helpful?  If yes, please contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).