Cops end Durham hot dog war, for now

Steven Pruner, owner of Outlaw Hotdogs, was charged with two counts of operating a business without a license.

Pruner and David Leeds, owner of Dave's Quickie Dogs, have been battling for customers at the corner of Erwin Road and Fulton Street, across from Duke University Medical Center.

Pruner put his cart at the corner three months ago, but he does not have a permit. Leeds, who has a permit, put his cart on the same corner shortly thereafter.

City and Durham County officials have ordered Pruner to stop operating several times, but he ignored the orders and even renamed his business to reflect his disdain for government regulation.

He said the requirements to get the proper certification are too burdensome and violate the state constitution. He particularly doesn't agree with a state rule that says vendors have to be affiliated with a permitted kitchen, like a restaurant.