Fighting for a Balanced Approach on Street Vending
Posted by Councilmember Englander on February 03, 2017 at 5:00 PM
This Wednesday, I voted "no" on the City Council's proposal to decriminalize street vending throughout the City.
While I have seen and experienced successful street vending in many cities, and recognize its ability to enhance cultural experiences and provide economic opportunities for entrepreneurs, a one-size-fits-all street vending policy will not work in a City as diverse as Los Angeles.
The City still has to work out crucial parts of the proposal, including how much permits will cost, how to enforce the rules, and what penalties will be imposed for violating them. The established framework is vague and does not protect individual neighborhoods and ultimately lacks the necessary tools needed to control where vending can and cannot take place.
Council District 12 is home to the largest contiguous industrial corridor in the City of Los Angeles, my office has worked with local businesses, Neighborhood Councils, Chambers of Commerce, food trucks, and community stakeholders to mediate solutions that work for everyone. We need to take a similarly balanced approach citywide.
Click here for the Doug McIntyre interview.