The Institute for Justice published a 50 page report detailing the prevalence of five major types of vending regulations in 50 largest US cities. Washington DC fails by currently instituting 2 of the 5 restrictive regulations that limit vendors’ ability to be successful. The report also makes some conclusions, such as the following:

Instead of supporting economic protectionism, cities can and should encourage vibrant vending cultures by drafting clear, simple and modern rules that are narrowly tailored to address real health and safety issues.

Boston is one of 5 cities that does not engage in this type of economic protectionism.  The City of Boston even provides a public food truck locating service on their website!