Imagine being a hardworking food vendor in Mount Sterling, striving each day to keep your dream alive and serve meals that bring joy and sustenance to the community. But now, due to proposed regulations on mobile food vendors, that dream could be at risk. These regulations include limiting the number of operating days, which could create financial hurdles, particularly for small businesses managing equipment payments, supplies, and other essential operating costs. The heart of our local food scene includes both creative mobile vendors and traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. We understand and respect the City's desire to support brick-and-mortar businesses. However, we believe the City should consider the interests and well-being of all local businesses, including mobile food vendors, when making decisions that affect their ability to operate. We also believe that any significant change to these regulations should be based on clear information and evidence. We haven't seen publicly available local data or a study demonstrating that mobile food vendors have caused measurable losses for Mount Sterling's brick and mortar restaurants. We'd like an opportunity for mobile vendors, restaurant owners, and City officials to discuss these concerns and work toward regulations that consider the needs of the entire business community. We urge the Mount Sterling City Council to carefully review the proposed restrictions, consider the available evidence, and take into account the potential financial impact on small mobile food businesses and the families who depend on them.

"We urge the Mount Sterling City Council to review the proposed restrictions and consider their potential financial impact on small mobile food businesses and their families." If you believe all local businesses deserve to be considered, please join us by signing this petition. Your signature shows the City Council that our community wants all affected businesses considered.