LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A new bill being discussed at the Nevada Legislature could significantly reduce the cost of doing business for sidewalk vendors across the state.
Senate Bill 295, sponsored by Sen. Fabian Doñate, D- Las Vegas, was heard Monday afternoon by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The bill aims to streamline licensing requirements and lower startup costs for vendors, many of whom come from immigrant or low-income communities.
Currently, vendors in Southern Nevada must navigate a complex system that includes health permits, commissary kitchen rentals, and expensive cart specifications. According to Doñate starting a legal vending business can cost nearly $19,000 in the first year – with recurring annual costs around $5,000.
“What we look to do with SB-295 is instead of street food vendors paying $19,000 to get license to start out, we’re reducing the burdens down to $3000- $5000, which is more feasible from any of these small businesses,” Doñate said.
SB295 would allow vendors selling nonhazardous foods – such as cut fruits, chips, and lollipops – to bypass some of the health requirements. Instead of obtaining a full health permit and commissary kitchen space, these vendors would simply register with the health district.
The bill would also require health districts to provide outreach and information in multiple languages and to create a task force that includes sidewalk vendors in the policy-making process. Local health boards would be directed to work with manufacturers to help vendors access affordable, pre-approved carts
“We are streamlining the ability to pass through the health district so that they can obtain the license from Clark County or from the city of Las Vegas so that they can operate legally,’ Doñate said.
If passed the bill could go into effect later this year.
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