LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Are you licensed to work?
Some Las Vegas Valley delivery drivers told FOX5, they’ve been delivering groceries, takeout or store purchases for local residents and had no idea they needed a license in Clark County. Other drivers told FOX5 that they are aware of the requirements.
An analysis from company Get Circuit reports 21,000 delivery drivers across Nevada, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are 369 licensed food delivery drivers in Clark County, the state’s largest county with the largest business licensing department in the Las Vegas Valley.
Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation did not have statistics available to track independent contractors across the Las Vegas Valley.
According to an Uber spokesperson, a requirement for a business license in Clark County for food and restaurant delivery (which also requires a Nevada state business license) is an anomaly among major cities in an overview of 26 states, other than New York City.
Many people turn to food delivery for a quick job for cash, work as a driver full-time, or even work part-time or occasionally to supplement their income.
“When I started talking to people, nobody knew that any of this was a requirement for delivery,” said Adam, who said he has worked for several apps and platforms and only learned about the requirements from FOX5.
According to Clark County officials, investigations start after someone launches a complaint; if someone is found to be unlicensed, they will get a warning, first.
If unlicensed work continues, an investigation could start. Penalties could include a misdemeanor citation. “Possible infractions include operating without a business license or causing a public health and safety risk,” a spokesperson said in an email.
A spokesperson tells FOX5, apps typically inform drivers of local licensing requirements.
FOX5 reached out to several food delivery companies. Uber tells FOX5, they provide prospective employees with Nevada and local guidelines on their website; many people who are licensed to perform rideshares also obtain permission to deliver food via the app UberEats.
GrubHub sent FOX5 the following statement:
“To deliver with Grubhub, delivery partners agree to follow all local laws and regulations, including any licensing requirements specific to their area. We encourage potential drivers to review local requirements before signing up to deliver on our platform.”
Various delivery platforms and drivers are still looking ahead to regulations surrounding alcohol deliveries in Clark County. A county spokesperson said that a vote on the proposed ordinance on November 5 was delayed to add amendments.
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