City Council Amends Street Vending Law

The City Council has voted to allow vendors to sell bumper stickers, newspapers and other politically expressive materials on the Third Street Promenade.

Council members amended an ordinance Tuesday night that prohibits street performers from specifying prices for their wares. The ordinance also barred sales of items such as pamphlets and newsletters bearing political messages.

Under the ordinance, passed in October, vendors had to accept any donation for their products. Vendors--including peace activist Jerry Rubin, who filed a lawsuit against the city--contended that the law violated their free speech rights.

The amendment to the street vending ordinance will take effect after its second reading by the council, probably in two weeks, said Deputy City Atty. Patrick Brooks.

Rubin’s attorney, Carol Sobel, said Wednesday that she had not seen the final language of the amendment approved by the council, but hoped that a settlement in the pending lawsuit could be reached.