LA City Council Takes First Steps Toward Legalizing Street Vending on Walk of Fame

A motion in the Los Angeles City Council would legalize street vending on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and surrounding areas, reversing a city ban in the neighborhood if passed.

Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez and City Council President Paul Krekorian introduced the motion in late October. The proposed change will now work its way through committees and be subject to public comment.

“My parents were street vendors for a very long time, so it's an issue that's very personal to me,” Soto-Martinez said. “I always felt there was unfairness — the no vending zone that exists in the city — and so I wanted to make sure that we brought equity and opportunity to everyone.”

The current laws regarding street vending were passed in 2018, starting with a statewide law decriminalizing the practice. This was followed by an L.A. City Council ordinance that legalized street vending, except within 500 square feet of some local landmarks.

In practice, however, vendors commonly sell merchandise and bacon-wrapped hot dogs in these zones, risking fines that start at $100 for a first offense. Throughout the city, vendors who operate without a permit face penalties up to $1,000. These licenses cost $541 per year, though Councilmember Nithya Raman introduced a motion last month that would lower the fee to $27.51.

In December, street vendors brought a lawsuit against the city, saying that the city’s no-vending zones contradict the 2018 state law that decriminalized street vending statewide.

The lawsuit is currently set to go to trial in February 2024.

“The goals of the motion are good and important, but vendors can't afford to continue to rack up thousands of dollars in illegitimate fines while a motion works its way through multiple committees on a very politicized process,” said Doug Smith of the nonprofit Inclusive Action for the City, which represents L.A. street vendors.

Soto-Martinez said he respected the vendors and advocates, as well as their representatives bringing the lawsuit, and he shared their goals.

“I don't see those two things as mutually exclusive,” Soto-Martinez said. “I want to lead on this policy, show a proof of concept for the council members, but I also recognize that they have very serious gripes about the ticketing that has happened over the last several years and the harassment that many of the street vendors face.”

Business groups in the Hollywood area also responded to the introduction of the motion.

"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is committed to a thriving business environment on Hollywood Boulevard that benefits those who work here, live here and visit here from near and far,” said Steve Nissen, CEO and president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “We look forward to working with our city council member to ensure a healthy, safe, diverse and successful street environment in Hollywood."

In addition to the Walk of Fame, street vending is prohibited in the vicinity of Universal Studios and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Vendors are also not allowed to operate within 500 feet of Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood Bowl, the Staples Center, and the L.A. Coliseum on days when an event is held.