There’s no need for street-food vendors

Re: “Let freedom reign for street-food vendors” (The Gazette, July 14).

Vincent Geloso reveals himself to be in the camp of those who see any business as good business and therefore good for all of us.

Does a walk along, say, Ste. Catherine or St. Paul streets have to be an exercise in dodging hotdogs, pizza slices, burgers, coffees and soft drinks?

That seem to be the staple fare of the fast-food crowd. And who is going to clean up the litter of discarded containers and wrappers?

Already most litter bins fill quickly to overflowing wherever crowds gather.

Quite likely food sold in the street will hurt existing businesses offering the same products and their staff will be cut to compensate for reduced business.

In short, there is no need for street-food vendors. Most city blocks contain at least one fast-food outlet. Food courts offering a wide variety of inexpensive fast food are everywhere.

Why add food trucks and vans to the congestion downtown?

Perhaps a case can be made for seasonal vendors (for example, hot chestnuts in winter; ice cream in summer) and, yes, the city of Montreal’s future does require entrepreneurs with creative and imaginative minds.

However, to me, “Do you want ketchup on that?” doesn’t have a “Eureka!” ring to it. John Hall Montreal