[mc32]

So somehow, using unbecoming means (anti competitive and illegal) these taxi cos are disallowing other entrants as well as these coffee shops thus controlling their respective industries? Creating a monopoly (i.e with purpose) is not the same as enjoying a virtual monopoly. At least I see daylight.

[PKop]

Do you understand how tax cab companies operate and are regulated?

"Some cab drivers want the council to issue permits directly to drivers with at least five years of experience — what the drivers call "legacy permits"...

— bypassing Austin's three taxi franchise holders: Yellow Cab, Austin Cab and Lone Star. The change could cost cab companies control of the market — and the thousands of dollars they collect annually from each cabbie after paying the city just $400 for each permit."[0]

"STOA wants to limit the number of cabs on the street in order to increase market share for large operators; with less competition for passengers they would be able to cover their higher overhead costs, and presumably "can charge less per trip." By asking the city to regulate the number of cabs, STOA is asking the city to limit their competition."[1]

[0] http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/taxi-industry-pours...

[1] http://savannahnow.com/column/2009-10-23/toma-cab-owners-see...

Is this how coffee shops, restaurants, bars, etc. are setup in any city you're aware of?

[EdHominem]

The sole coffee shop in town isn't a monopoly. It's competing with all the other coffee shops that could also be there. When their profit margins get too fat, others will move in.

Whereas the city has a monopoly on Taxi services and licenses out to a very limited pool of providers. (And usually a closed group that you couldn't get into even if you could afford a medallion.)