Long Beach street vendors struggle with confusing new sidewalk vending rules

Some Long Beach street vendors are working unlicensed and uncertain as they grapple with confusing new sidewalk vending rules.

De'mon Tyndall has been running The Quesadilla Calling since 2021. Before that, he worked at high-end restaurants, absorbing all the knowledge of the food industry. Yet, even with all his know-how, he struggles to navigate the new Long Beach street vendor policies.

Tyndall says he already has permits to do community-based events but was one of the first people in line to apply for a sidewalk vending business license when Long Beach legalized it earlier his year. He has not been approved yet.

He tells KNX News' Nataly Tavidian , "We were thinking with the legalization, it was actually going to be easy, and it would help the vendors."

He quickly found out things would not be so simple... or cheap.

"You have to spend anywhere from $20-$30,000 for a cart. We assumed that the carts would be the only expense and, of course, our permits," De'mon said. "But we found out that you have to have a commissary that stores your carts, which comes with a cost of $1,500 monthly."

He said that with all the expenses, following the law eats up about three-quarters of what the average street vendor makes in a year.

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According to the city, microbusinesses selling anything from gifts to food can and should apply, but the process takes time due to state regulations - especially for food.

The city says it wants people to succeed and encourages anyone who dreams of starting a business to call 562-570-4132 before spending money or getting too far into the process.

Interested parties can visit the city's sidewalk vending website HERE .

The health department is also prepared to work one-on-one with prospective businesses to get the proper permits.

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