A conflict is forming on the streets of New York City between legal and illegal food trucks and carts. The city grants 5,100 food vending permits every two years. The permit is issued by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Most of the permit holders pay $200 to renew their permit every two years. Some permit holders rent their license, or permit, for a profit. Some cart or truck operators pay more than $20,000 for a food vending permit. Because there is greater demand than supply of permits, a black market for the licenses has emerged. The Wall Street Journal reported that transferring or renting these permits to another vendor is illegal. But many vendors have turned to this illegal black market for permits. Business owners who have legal permits, or who compete with the food carts and trucks, are against the black market. “The people out there operating the carts are not the ones who have the permits,” said business official Dan Pisark. He questioned the permit owners’ motives.

What does motive mean?
to offer for sale
to become known or apparent
to move someone
a reason for doing something
Who is the conflict between?
street performers
food truck vendors
bartenders
restaurant owners
A black market for the licenses has emerged.
black
invisible
legal
new