Street vendors in Las Vegas will have a new set of codified set rules to follow after April 30. Previously, they have been illegal under Nevada law. But until recently, authorities widely turned a blind eye to the operations.
This week, Clark County Commission voted to approve the new measures after a three-hour discussion.
The new rules will require vendors to obtain a $150 license. It will also prohibit sellers from setting up within 150 feet of a casino resort or other licensed venue that includes food offerings.
They must also avoid operating within 500 feet of a mall, school, or community center location. Vendors must also close up shop after 9 p.m. each day.
Although it gives them certainty moving forward, many Sin City street vendors believe the new framework is too restrictive.
“Before today’s action by the Board, sidewalk vending was not previously permitted in Clark County. Last summer, the County held a series of public town hall meetings across commission districts and launched a public survey to hear directly from community members and sidewalk vendors about the process to establish equitable licensure in Clark County, as required by the Nevada Legislature following the passage of SB 92 last session,” Clark County said in a statement.
The New Rules
The County Commission hearing was a jam-packed affair. Three hours of discussion was heard from vendors, council members, locals, and law enforcement representatives.
The new framework is comprehensive. It covers everything from the size of the vendor’s setups, to where and when they can operate, to what they can sell.
Individuals who violate the new rules once they come into effect could face a $500 fine. The ordinance also allows law enforcement and employees of nearby businesses to destroy or dismantle vendor’s setups in illegal locations once they have been given fair warning.
The proposals were discussed with vendors and other stakeholders in the community.
“As a result of this feedback, the County drafted an ordinance which went out to the industry again for additional comment. With health and safety top of mind, today’s public hearing and the passage of this ordinance is a result of the significant effort Clark County has put forward to not only regulate a previously unpermitted industry, but also to balance the perspectives of the community and vendors in an equitable licensing process.”
In the end, the Commission deemed that the new ruleset was necessary to prevent bad actors from taking advantage of the previously loose system. However, they promised to continue to listen to feedback after the ordinance is rolled out.
“If we pass something today, we’re legalizing an industry that has never been legal in Clark County,” Commissioner Tick Segerblom said.
“We’re starting a process that hopefully we can evolve.”
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
