If they're not paying the city for it then they're giving it to them, but that doesn't mean they're not paying for it. The idea that there is no "pay to play"

If they're not paying the city for it then they're giving it to them, but that doesn't mean they're not paying for it. The idea that there is no "pay to play" going on in local politics is absurd. But the public is not getting anything for their tax dollars in return when that happens under the table and no fees are placed in the local Gov's coffers. What do you think those restaurants would do if the city allowed catering trucks to sit in those parking spots for free and serve food right outside a their front door all day and night? What if I own a business next door to them? How does that not inconvenience my patrons? This is flashback to what we used to call "Yuppies" back in the `80s. I lived in LA then. Not much has changed there except the gentrification of places like Venice Beach.