September 21, 2018 -- Client Alert
Governor Jerry Brown recently signed Senate Bill 946, also known as the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act. Under the law, which goes into effect January 1, sidewalk vendors may not be prohibited, although local authorities will be able to establish regulations on sidewalk vendors to protect valid health, safety and welfare concerns. The statute defines “sidewalk vendors” as “persons who sells food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other non-motorized conveyance, or from one’s person, upon a public sidewalk or other pedestrian path.” A sidewalk vendor can be roaming or stationary. “Local authority” is expressly defined as both chartered and general law cities and counties.