Street vendors in Los Angeles recently received good news as the city of Los Angeles has settled a lawsuit on behalf of street vendors. The city has agreed to repeal bans on vending near schools and farmer’s markets and cancel citations issued to vendors for selling in restricted areas.
The lawsuit was initially filed in 2022. It alleged that city ordinances that established no-vending zones and prohibited street vendors from operating within 500 feet of schools, farmers markets, swap meets, and temporary events violated state laws and were also discriminatory. Along with other restrictions, the lawsuit fought to remove eight “no-vending zones” around Los Angeles.
“The bans are gone and the vendors have been vindicated,” said Merlín Alvarado, a street vendor and plaintiff in the lawsuit. For 17 years, Alvarado has been selling fruit and hot dogs on Hollywood Boulevard. Alvarado and other vendors and advocates within the community gathered on Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate the settlement of the lawsuit.
“Street vending is one of our city’s great traditions and resources, and we look forward to being fully recognized for our role as community caretakers and contributors,” said Alvarado.
The Los Angeles City Council voted in February to eliminate the no-vending zones. These no-vending zones included high-traffic areas such as the Hollywood Bowl, Crypto.com Arena, and Universal Studios.
The settlement also opens more spaces for street vendors and guarantees a refund for vendors who received tickets in the no-vending zones.
The settlement has been signed by representatives from both sides and filed in court. However, the City Council and mayor still need to approve it formally. Plaintiffs expect the approvals to occur when the City Council returns from a recess in August.
“Los Angeles loves street vendors, but historically, our laws have not shown that love. That’s why this is a really important victory,” said Doug Smith, a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Vendors who paid no-vending zone citations within the last five years will receive a refund with the settlement. In addition, any unpaid citations will be canceled.
Despite the risk of receiving a citation, many vendors took the chance to sell in areas that receive high traffic. However, the vendors will now be able to operate out of these popular areas without worrying about being fined.
Under state law, operating a vendor “within the immediate vicinity” of swap meets, and farmers’ markets is still prohibited. Advocates say more work is needed to create specific policies that let street vendors operate within city regulations.
“We’re excited to roll up our sleeves and showcase that policies are better when they’re created with the expertise of the communities that are most impacted. The lawsuit doesn’t end the work, but it sets us up,” said Smith.
The city also established programs to involve vendors in policymaking and change its policy enforcement approach. Advocates like Smith hope other cities follow suit, as many people rely on street vending for income.
