Full Breakdown
Mayor Karen Bass Orders LAPD to Halt Criminal Citations for Unpermitted Street Vendors
8/28/2026, 11:46:26 AM
Core Policy Change
Mayor Karen Bass directed the Los Angeles Police Department to cease issuing criminal citations to vendors operating without a Sidewalk & Park Vending Permit. The mayor’s office also instructed the city to dismiss any previously issued criminal citations that were deemed improper.
Background & Context
Los Angeles requires street vendors to obtain a Sidewalk & Park Vending Permit, an annual health permit, a California seller’s permit, and a city Business Tax Registration Certificate. As of 2024, an estimated 50,000 vendors work on city sidewalks, yet only 687 active vending permits were recorded, with just 53 for food vendors. The policy shift occurs amid heightened visibility of street vending during the recently concluded 2026 World Cup and ahead of the 2028 Olympics, events that attract large crowds and additional unpermitted vendors.
The decision also aligns with the mayor’s 2025-2026 reelection campaign. Councilmember Nithya Raman, Bass’s Democratic opponent in the November runoff, has advocated for simplifying the permitting process and introduced an “Immigrant Economic Opportunity Hub” to support vendors.
Data & Statistics
- Approx. 50,000 street vendors in Los Angeles (2024 estimate).
- 687 active vending permits citywide; 53 of those for food vendors.
- Licensed vendor Anthony D’Eugenio pays $750 annually for his permit, plus additional business-license and insurance costs.
Official Statements & Responses
The statement added that protecting vendors is especially urgent given “ongoing attacks by ICE.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bass is pandering to stay in office,” — Anthony D’Eugenio
- “Why is it that only brick and mortars have to abide by high scrutiny?” — Anthony D’Eugenio
- “Nithya Raman got a spot engaging with street vendors about getting them certified, so Bass one-upped her by saying, ‘We’re not going to issue citations,’” — Anthony D’Eugenio
Criticism & Opposition
Licensed vendors and local retailers expressed strong opposition. He also accused Bass of “pandering to stay in office.”
Larry Block, owner of the 17-year-old retail shop Block Party WeHo, said the move “adds insult to injury” for tax-paying restaurant owners and described it as “a free for all” that favors illegal operators over high-rent-paying tenants.
Why It Matters
The policy removes a legal tool that previously allowed the LAPD to enforce vending regulations through criminal citations, potentially widening the gap between permitted and unpermitted vendors. Brick-and-mortar businesses argue that the change undermines fair competition, especially during high-traffic events like the World Cup and the upcoming Olympics.
Politically, the decision has become a focal point in the mayoral race, with opponents framing it as a campaign-driven concession that could influence voter perceptions ahead of the November runoff.
What’s Next
The mayoral race will culminate in a November runoff between Karen Bass and Nithya Raman. Both candidates are expected to continue highlighting their respective approaches to street-vendor regulation as part of their campaign platforms.
