LA City Council Votes To Stop Citing Unlicensed Street Vendors


Vote will allow hundreds of business owners to serve food without fear of confiscation

By Toi Creel 

On Tuesday, June 29, Los Angeles City Council voted to extend the moratorium on issuing citations for street vendors who do not have permits or licenses. 

The moratorium will last through the official end of the COVID-19 state of emergency, with aso a six month period afterwards. In addition to the moratorium extension, Council also voted to include an educational element. The City’s Bureau of Street Services will also use outreach to speak with more street vendors and encourage them to obtain valid permits

According to ABC 7, vendors have complained for the past several months and put pressure on the city with rallies and petitions to extend the ban. The vote comes following several reports of vendors having their equipment confiscated and food thrown away by police and health  officials.

Councilwoman Nithya Raman and councilman Curren Price were the two members behind the ordinance citing increasing economic opportunity for vendors as a reason to pass the ordinance. Prior to Tuesday’s vote, many street vendors harbored fears over losing their businesses as they had no legal protection. 

Once street vending was made legal in 2019, only a few vendors actually obtained permits. 

In March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Los Angeles banned street vending to help stop the spread of the disease, though many vendors continued serving food. When the moratorium was lifted, less than 1 percent of vendors (90 out of 10,000 in Los Angeles County) were licensed.

In addition, at the start of the pandemic many vendors were not able to receive government funding that was available for most businesses, though in September 2020, Mayor Eric Garcetti approved funds to allow street vendors to receive government relief. 

in Dining
Related Posts

Michael Mina’s Egyptian-Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Santa Monica

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Inside, the 270-Seat Restaurant’s Interior Draws Inspiration From Greek and Egyptian Coastal Aesthetics Renowned chef Michael Mina has opened his...

8 Nights at Birdie G’s: Chef Jeremy Fox Hosts Star-Studded Holiday Dinner Series in Santa Monica

October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024

Top Chefs From Across the USA Collaborate at Special Family-Style Dining Experience Birdie G’s, the Santa Monica restaurant helmed by...

Ghirardelli to Open New Shop Along Ocean Ave

October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024

The New Shop Will Share Space With Other Popular SM Eateries Ghirardelli, the renowned San Francisco-based chocolate company, is set...

Chef Jason Neroni Bids Farewell to L.A. with Exclusive “Biography” Dinner Series

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Renowned Chef to Host Intimate Dinners at Secret Locations Chef Jason Neroni has announced an intimate and reflective series of...

This Weekend: Oktoberfest Celebration Set for Brennan’s Pub

October 3, 2024

October 3, 2024

The Festivities Will Kick off With Live Wrestling on the Turf, Alongside a Selection of Oktoberfest Beer Brennan’s Pub is...

Vittorio Ristorante to Celebrate 40 Years with Throwback Prices

October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024

The Family-Owned Restaurant Will Host a “Throwback to 1984” Event Vittorio Ristorante & Pizzeria, a beloved staple in Pacific Palisades...

(Video) Authentic Sicilian Cafe Opens Along Venice Boardwalk

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2024

Castanea is across from the Venice Skatepark @palisadesnews Castanea is across from the Venice Skatepark #venice #venicebeach #italian #italy #sicily...

(Video) The Lobster Restaurant Celebrates 25 Years in Santa Monica

September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024

The Restaurant Is Next to The Pier @palisadesnews The restaurant is located next to the Pier #seafood #restaurant #food #foodie...

(Video) Meat & Seafood Market Opens New West L.A. Location

September 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

For More Info, Go to wildforkfoods.com @palisadesnews For More Info, Go to wildforkfoods.com #california #losangeles #fyp #meat #seafood #fish #venice...

Malibu-Based Winery to Open Tasting Room in Santa Monica

September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024

AJA Vineyards Was Founded by Todd and Heather Greenbaum in the Santa Monica Mountains AJA Vineyards, a Malibu-based family winery,...

Celebrate With Creative Cocktails and Wine Wednesday at Two of the Westside’s Most Cozy Restaurants

September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024

Enjoy Ronan Restaurant’s Negroni-inspired drinks and Quaff Fine Wine at Hank’s  Ronan, a restaurant located at 7315 Melrose Ave, is...

Off the Hook Seafood Fest Returning to SM Pier After 5-Year Hiatus

September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

General admission tickets start at $75 Following a five-year hiatus, the Off the Hook Seafood Festival is set to return...

Los Angeles Times Announces Amazing Full Lineup for Food Bowl 2024 for Charity

September 5, 2024

September 5, 2024

Three-Day Festival to Feature Tastings From Top Chefs and VIP Exclusive Bites The Los Angeles Times has announced the full...

Gladstones Introduces New NFL Menu and Weekly Specials

September 4, 2024

September 4, 2024

Gladstones has been a staple in the Palisades since 1972 Gladstones, the iconic beachfront restaurant in Southern California, has announced...

Months After Becoming Bistro, Hank’s Introduces New Brunch Menu

August 28, 2024

August 28, 2024

Hank’s brunch menu is part of its recent transformation under the guidance of Tancredi DeLuca Hank’s, a Palisades Village eatery,...