Nora Wong · January 2016
84 Geo. Wash. L. Rev. Arguendo 5
Grassroots movements across the United States are calling upon local
governments to deregulate mobile food vending. In New York, the Street
Vendor Project has campaigned since 2014 for the City Council to issue
more vending permits and revise regulations that specify where vendors
can work in the city. The vendors’ campaign culminated in a march
outside City Hall, where their lawyer asked through a megaphone,
“Where’s the bill, City Council?” Weeks after the march in New York,
conflict flared again over vending regulations in New Haven, Connecticut.
The New Haven Building Department evicted food trucks from their
parking spots for violating ordinances, such as a prohibition against selling
on a residential street. The vendors were astonished that the city had
received complaints about their operations, and expressed worry about
being able to retain their employees after relocating. In Los Angeles, the
City Council passed an even more controversial ordinance this year,
restricting food vending and other commercial activities in parks. Los
Angeles vendors publicly rallied against the ordinance and demanded to
meet with the mayor, citing concerns over fines and confiscation of their
property.
