SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — On Wednesday, The San Diego City Council's Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations (ED&IR) Committee approved the street vendor ordinance.
The proposed ordinance includes licensing, permitting, and health standards for all vendors while also setting practicable limitations on where vendors are allowed to set up, balancing equity and access.
“They come out here and just think they can sell whatever. So anywhere from like illegal things like edibles. I saw a woman selling chickens out here one time. That’s like the worst of it I’ve seen but without any type of guidelines you’re just allowing people to do whatever they want and that’s essentially like the wild wild west,” said Wasani, vendor and owner of We Are Whoa, who sells custom-made hats and t-shirts at Mission Beach.
"You know they shouldn't be posted up next to brick-and-mortar stores, where they're selling the same things. It's not fair. It's a free for all," said Skyler McManus, Hamel’s General Manager in Mission Beach.
Councilmember Jennifer Campbell said she believes her street vending ordinance will balance the needs of residents, vendors, and public spaces while also providing a way forward on this longstanding issue impacting San Diego.
"We each understand the need for clarity for everyone involved in the street vending conversation. I am sure that this ordinance will provide entrepreneurs sensible rules and regulations that will allow micro-businesses to thrive while also protecting access to our public spaces," Councilmember Campbell said.
For more information on the proposal, CLICK HERE.
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