Empowerment
Learn how to keep your business on the right side of regulations, navigate fines and penalties, and engage with local authorities.
SB 946 and SB 972
A look at how state legislation has affected the world of California street vending
Organizing from vendors, advocates, and community members led to the passages of Senate Bill 946 (2018) and Senate Bill 972 (2023), which revolutionized street vending regulation statewide.
Legalized street vending in California
Provided access to seller permits
Recategorized street food vendors as Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO)
Streamlined health permit requirements
Decriminalized street food vending
Simplified cart approvals
Established commissary and shared prep spaces
Clarified vendor rights
Legal explainer
The basics of street vending policy
Take a look at a simple explainer on Senate Bills 946 and 972 to get a fuller picture of where street vending currently stands in California.
Health Guidelines
The latest health standards for food vendors under Senate Bill 972
Here’s a before and after of how health standards changed for food vendors since the passage of Senate Bill 972.
On the street
Operating your business legally, safely, and confidently
Download these palm cards to keep in your cart so you can better avoid legal trouble, protect yourself from unlawful penalties, and stand up for yourself while you’re on the street.
Additional Resources
Take a deep dive into the law and your rights as a vendor with these resources from the state and our partners.
Remember vending laws vary by district. Make sure to double check your city’s guidelines before you hit the streets.
Public Counsel examines how food vendors are still being ticketed and harassed by law enforcement
This report by Public Counsel and the UCLA School of Law Community Economic Development Clinic uncovers how little-known and poorly designed food laws make it functionally illegal for most street vendors to sell food, despite landmark efforts to legalize it.
A legal explainer by and for vendors and organizers
Explore guides and explainers created by fellow vendor advocates with the LA Street Vendor Campaign to help vendors and organizers better understand the law.
A pathway to legitimacy for street vendors
The LA County Board of Supervisors approved a new ordinance legalizing sidewalk vending in the county’s unincorporated areas, effective August 2024. This move is aimed at integrating the thousands of street vendors, predominantly from marginalized communities, into the formal economy.
Resources for street vendors and organizers
Building a movement
We’re a coalition of street vendors, organizers, and everyday people.
Add your name to our email list to be the first to know about advocacy opportunities and workshops—and receive resources and updates about the street vending movement statewide.
