In the last full council meeting of the New York City Council on December 18th, the council members voted in favor of a comprehensive legislative package to protect the interests of street vendors. The package includes proposals such as 431-B to increase the number of vending permits, 1251-A to shorten the permitting approval process, and 408-A to establish a department specifically for serving street vendors.
Before the vote, representatives of street vendors from the “Urban Justice Center Street Vendor Project” (SVP of the UJC) organized a rally in front of City Hall to show support for the aforementioned legislation.
Mr. Zhu, a crafts vendor from Flushing, told reporters that he has been operating his business for 2 to 3 years and he supports the freedom of street vending. “Since ancient times, there have always been peddlers and hawkers. It’s not easy for us street vendors; we are often targeted by health departments and police. I hope the New York City government will relax its regulations on us and allow us to freely set up our stalls,” he said. “I believe that as long as we work together, the council will approve these bills.”
According to the 431-B bill, New York City will expand the number of permits for sidewalk food and merchandise vendors. From 2026 to 2031, an additional 2,200 mobile food vendor regulation permit applications will be added each year. In 2027, 10,500 regular vending permits will be added. The permits will be revoked if there are three violations of the regulations within a year. Additionally, the bill requires vendors to maintain cleanliness around their stalls, and provide evidence of proper garbage disposal.
The 1251-A bill aims to address delays in the permit approval process, while the 408-A bill requires the establishment of a “Division of Street Vendor Assistance” under the Small Business Services agency to provide compliant training, outreach, and education for vendors.
However, whether these bills will pass the final hurdle under the outgoing Mayor Adams remains uncertain.