Anyone who wants to sell something at city parks or beaches will now have to get a permit from the city to do so.
L.A. City Council voted Wednesday to reinstate a ban on unlicensed vending in those areas. The ban had been suspended while the city dealt with litigation over vending on the Venice Beach boardwalk. Under the new rules, things like yoga classes, dog training, or exercise boot camps would have to be licensed through the city, otherwise those running them would face a recurring fine for each infraction. L.A.’s Recreation and Parks Department doesn’t usually issue permits to pushcart vendors selling things like ice cream or fruit, but does allow some businesses like the paddle boat rentals and the cafe at Echo Park Lake.
Supporters say the ban will protect people at the parks and on beaches from being hurt by an unlicensed vendor and will shield the city from being sued in the event someone were to be hurt by a vendor without a license. Opponents say penalties resulting from the ban could jeapordize immigrants’ chances at citizenship, and that it doesn’t make sense to ban vending in parks and beaches when the city is thinking about legalizing the same kind of vending on city sidewalks.
Should unlicensed vendors be banned from city beaches and parks? What about on city sidewalks? If food vendors aren’t allowed at parks, beaches, or sidewalks citywide even if they did get a permit, why are food trucks?
Guests:
Gil Cedillo, Los Angeles City Councilmember representing District 1
Kevin Regan, assistant general manager for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks