Bill introduced to decriminalize street vending in DC – WTOP News

Council members in D.C. are contemplating a invoice that may decriminalize avenue merchandising within the District.

The Avenue Vendor Development Modification Act of 2023 wouldn’t solely decriminalize avenue merchandising, but additionally wave at the moment unpaid citations for distributors, permitting them to go ahead with their licenses, and make it simpler for avenue distributors to get licenses basically. It could additionally set up zones for sidewalk merchandising.

“The decriminalization piece is essential as a result of there’s simply actually no must contain the police when anyone is merchandising and not using a license,” mentioned Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, who launched the laws alongside Council Chairman Phil Mendelson.

“Our licensing company has the authority to exit and subject citations, and that’s the way it must be dealt with,” she added.

Nadeau has launched related laws up to now to help avenue distributors. She says the method to get licensed is troublesome.

“It’s extremely costly and it’s onerous, and there’s a vital quantity of pink tape,” she mentioned.

Eloisa Diaz, an empanada avenue vendor who has been promoting for the final 4 years, advised WTOP that being a avenue vendor within the District is traumatic and troublesome. She mentioned that many distributors have had points with police who confront them for promoting and not using a license.

“We’d like help from town to assist us to be free, and be unbiased and never have any issue with the police as a result of it’s a tough wrestle to promote outdoors,” mentioned Diaz.

She mentioned she appreciates the council members who’ve drafted up the laws.

“I used to be so excited and screaming when anyone referred to as me and advised me Mr. Mendelson … is making an attempt to assist us get a greater technique to get the license,” she mentioned.

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