LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nearly two years after Nevada legalized street vending, only 17 vendors across the Las Vegas valley are officially licensed, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.
The district said just four new permits have been approved so far this year.
Nevada legalized street vending in 2023 through Senate Bill 92, creating a pathway for vendors to operate legally. State Senator Fabian Doñate, who helped sponsor the bill, said many vendors still cannot afford the licensing process.
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“It’s just that many of these street food vendors obviously are predominant Latino and often are immigrants that don’t have the ability to expend thousands of dollars to start their businesses,” Doñate said.
Compliance costs create barriers
Street vendors must comply with health district regulations that often require specialized carts, permits and access to commercial kitchens. Those costs can add up quickly.
Bertin Gonzalez, one of the 17 licensed vendors, said getting his license took years.
“Getting my license was a bit of a challenge because we didn’t have enough resources to do it, but thank God, with a little determination, anything is possible,” Gonzalez said.
Last year, Doñate pushed another bill aimed at easing some of those restrictions for vendors, but the measure was vetoed by Governor Lombardo.
Donate said when the process started, officials estimated about 300 street food vendors were operating unlicensed.
“We went from a process back in 2023 where no single person was registered and licensed to now having 17,” Doñate said. “Every single time that we license a street food vendor, it’s a benefit to us.”
Gonzalez said getting his license helped gain the trust of new customers and gave him peace of mind.
“Now we can work here without worrying that they’ll come and take our products away, or that the police will show up and fine us because we’re not allowed to sell in certain areas,” Gonzalez said.
Doñate said while the number of licensed street vendors remains low, he hopes to continue to push for change in the next legislative session.
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