NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Tacos El Villasana in National City has been operating outside of Machete Beer House for the past year selling tacos but Monday was their last day doing business there.
“We got a notice a few weeks ago from the city of National City on our behalf of Machete Beer House that our food vendors weren't they were out of permit use,” Machete Beer House, Manager Adam Cornejo said.
In the past year, the taco stand has built up their clientele with many people waiting in long lines to get their tacos. Tacos El Villasana Owner, Christian Villasana says after learning he had to close down his business, he wanted to know the reason why.
“When I had talked to the Mayor, he pretty much said someone had complained and then about the smell and stuff like that,” Villasana said.
CBS 8 spoke with National City City Councilmember Jose Rodriguez about this situation. Rodriguez said there are certain regulations street vendors need to follow.
“Under the current law, we have to use a commissary kitchen, a specific kitchen to cook everything and then bring the food either already cooked or cook it in a place and bring it right outside,” Rodriguez said.
Regulations vary in each city but in National City, these rules need to be followed by street vendors to continue operating.
“Tacos Villasana in the case of them, their business is geared towards cooking outside,” Rodriguez said.
Cornejo says Tacos El Villasana has his permits in order.
“He has his own LLC, he has his health department permits and he has his sellers permit so there's nothing illegal here, he has all his paperwork on paper,” Cornejo said.
Villasana had plans to save money to open a restaurant but for now he's focused on getting a food truck to continue his business.
“We just want to work to provide for our families,” Villasana said.
Starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 1243 National City Boulevard, several street vendors will voice their concerns during public comment at National City’s Council meeting on the current regulations to sell food.
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