Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Ends Criminal Citations for Unpermitted Street Vendors
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed the Los Angeles Police Department to stop issuing criminal citations to unpermitted street vendors, according to the Mayor’s office. The policy shift aims to prevent vendors from acquiring criminal records for their livelihoods and acknowledges street vending as a core element of the city’s food culture.
LAPD Shift from Criminal to Administrative Enforcement
The Mayor’s office informed the California Post that Bass “stands firmly with street vendors” and has ordered the LAPD to cease criminal citations for those operating without permits. As part of this directive, the administration is working to dismiss previously issued criminal citations that were deemed improperly issued. This move ensures that vendors “are not left with criminal records for working to provide for their families,” the Mayor’s office stated.
Under current city and state rules, vendors typically face fines rather than arrest or jail for local violations. The Mayor’s directive specifically targets criminal citations issued by the LAPD, which differ from administrative or health citations. According to the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, vendors must still obtain a Sidewalk & Park Vending Permit, and food vendors specifically require a Los Angeles County Public Health permit, a California seller’s permit, and a city Business Tax Registration Certificate. Health Department citations, which address food safety and sanitation, remain outside of Mayor Bass’s jurisdiction.
Permit Gap and Economic Impact
The scale of unpermitted vending in Los Angeles is significant. While an estimated 50,000 vendors operate throughout the city, only 687 active vending permits were recorded as of September 2024, according to data reported by The Post. Of those permitted operators, only 53 hold permits specifically for food vending.
This disparity has created tension between unpermitted operators and those who follow city regulations. Anthony D’Eugenio, owner of Big Dix Hot Dogs, told The Post that the decision is “shameful” and rewards those who flout the rules. D’Eugenio, who has operated a cart in West Hollywood for five years, stated he pays $750 annually for his permit in addition to costs for insurance, a business license, tax permits, and a commissary. He characterized the policy as “insulting” to brick-and-mortar businesses and licensed vendors who face higher scrutiny.
Timing and Future City Events
The policy shift comes as Los Angeles prepares for a surge in global tourism. The city recently hosted events related to the 2026 World Cup, which saw a high volume of street vendors. City officials expect the 2028 Olympics to bring millions more visitors, likely increasing the number of unpermitted vendors operating on city sidewalks.
The Mayor’s office linked the decision to the protection of vulnerable workers, stating that supporting street vendors is “more important than ever given ongoing attacks by ICE.”
Street Vending Requirements in Los Angeles
To operate legally in Los Angeles, vendors are required to meet several regulatory benchmarks:
- Sidewalk & Park Vending Permit: Required for all merchandise or food sales on city sidewalks and parks; must be renewed annually.
- LA County Public Health Permit: Mandatory for all food-based vending to ensure sanitation.
- California Seller’s Permit: A state-level requirement for sales tax purposes.
- Business Tax Registration Certificate: A city-level requirement for all business entities.