In an effort to reduce crime in Denver’s lower downtown area during weekend nights, the Denver Police Department has implemented a ban on food trucks operating in LoDo from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The police say that violent incidents often occur as crowds congregate around food trucks after leaving bars and nightclubs, leading to fights that could escalate into gun violence. Food truck operators have expressed frustration with the ban, with one operator stating that it would essentially restart his business if he were forced to move from his usual spot. Despite concerns from food truck operators, the police believe that the ban will be effective in curbing crime in the area. Additional measures include creating designated zones for food trucks to operate together, with the goal of ensuring the safety of both food truck operators and patrons in the area. The ban follows previous initiatives by the Denver police, such as designated rideshare pickup zones, aimed at maintaining safety in LoDo. While the ban may impact approximately six to ten food trucks, food truck operators argue that it will have a larger effect on the community, impacting hundreds of customers who frequent the area for late-night dining options. The effectiveness of the ban and the designated zones for food trucks will be evaluated in the coming weeks, as the Denver Police Department seeks to create a safer environment for all in the downtown area.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com
Food trucks banned from LoDo in Denver on weekend nights
