Vendor Splendor: Ordinance for Order : With revision, proposed L.A. law could solve a street problem and generate revenue

An ordinance that would allow street vendors to operate in designated areas of commercial districts has been awaiting final action in the Los Angeles City Council for more than a year. With just a little modification, the proposed law would have a better chance of gaining the official approval it deserves.

Those who oppose the measure argue that Angelenos do not like street vending--that it is not good for established businesses, that it presents serious sanitation problems and lowers the standards for business creation.

No one in Los Angeles wants to let develop a chaotic situation in which unsanitary conditions are the rule, tax evasion is the norm and unfair competition with established businesses is legally sanctioned. But the ordinance, once a framework is properly articulated, might very well be not only the beginning of a solution to existing problems but a tremendous opportunity for a city strapped for economic activity.

There are now about 5,000 street vendors in the city, and many do business pretty much wherever they can and operate under neither sanitary nor fiscal controls. Across Southern California there are confusing rules that vary from one city to the next.

The ordinance would allow communities in Los Angeles to create or prevent special districts that would require vendors to have liability insurance, health permits and business licenses and to pay taxes and annual permit fees.

Also, it would legalize vending that is already occurring, thus generating appropriate fees for the city coffers. All this makes sense.

In these times of continuing layoffs, downsizing of the labor pool, economic recession and high incidence of crime, the Los Angeles City Council should grab an opportunity to turn chaos into order.

To clarify the ordinance and make it fair, the council should consider commercial density and the type of businesses existing in areas where vendors may want to establish themselves. It would not be fair to place a hot dog stand right in front of a restaurant.

The ordinance, as it was presented, requires the signatures of only 10% of the residents and businesses on each square block for formation of a special vending district. This is much too low; higher percentages are needed.

Those who oppose street vending as it is practiced now should consider that this ordinance might be precisely the best antidote for chaotic and uncontrolled street vending.