Street vendors are a distinct part of the urban landscape in L.A., but most of them are in a never-ending cat and mouse game with law enforcement.

Selling goods without a license is illegal in the city, and getting caught can be a pricey ticket. Fees pile up quickly, because most can’t afford to pay. Ingrid Eagly is a law professor at UCLA and heads the department’s criminal defense clinic. She tells Take Two that the system needs to change:

“Los Angeles is the only major city that has a ban, so there’s actually no way for vendors to get licenses. … Sidewalk vending has long been a part of the culture and vibrancy of the city, and the City Council is currently looking at proposals to try to create a lawful and regulated system by which vendors could obtain permits to sell on the sidewalk.”

Press the play button above to hear professor Eagly’s conversation with Take Two.