The New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adam's veto to legislation that would decriminalize street vendors.
The initial street vending bill removes all misdemeanor criminal penalties for vendors operating without a license. The City Council pointed out several collateral consequences of these criminal penalties on street vendors. These include effects on employment, education, housing opportunities and immigration status. The bill does however maintain violations and fines for those who break the rules.
Hundreds of street vendors have voiced that it is extremely difficult to get a license to sell on the streets of New York City being that the number of available licenses and permits is extremely low.
Leaving them no option other than selling their products on the street illegally, making them vulnerable to criminal charges.
According to the City Council, the NYPD issued more than 1,000 criminal vending tickets in 2023.
