VENTURA : Decision Delayed on Street Flower Sales
The Ventura City Council has postponed a decision on whether to allow street flower vendors to operate legally in the city.
Local florists complained to the council Monday night that street flower vendors are able to sell at cut-rate prices because they don’t have to pay high overhead costs. As a result, the florists said it is difficult for their businesses to compete.
But Linda Williams, who owns two illegal flower stands, argued: “This is free enterprise.”
Some council members expressed concern that the proposed change to the city’s zoning ordinance is too narrowly focused.
“I can’t understand why we’re making special arrangements for flowers,” Councilman Gary Tuttle said. “What about gift shops? Where does it stop?”
After some discussion, the council referred the matter to the city’s Economic Opportunity and Revitalization Committee for further review.
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