"I am trying to open a fruit cart myself. If anyone knows where to get theThe input is this: there is no legal way for you to vend fruit or other victuals from the general public right of way in the City of LA.
licensing for this please let me know. From what I understand you need to have
the cart inspected and then you get a little green sticker to put in front. Any
input?"
The City doesn't give permits for such activities, unless you are in the special "vending district." Currently, there are no active "Vending Districts" in the City (the one that was in MacArthur Park is now defunct due to safety issues relating to the vendors being hassled and one being shot). So, push carts, pick-up trucks with fruit in them, and guys on the corner are not permitted for now.
There are some exceptions in regards to catering trucks*; but they are all regulated with time limits and other restrictions (LAMC 80.73). Beyond the traditional roach coach/taco truck catering truck, hotdog carts (not the push-cart kind on the sidewalk, but the trailers attached to vehicles in the street), ice cream trucks, and produce trucks fall into this category. They still need to have city permits and follow the guidelines stated in 80.73 to remain legal.
But, in terms of selling goods from the sidewalk: it's not allowed. No selling peppered mangos, bacon-wrapped hotdogs, or bags of cherries from the sidewalk, freeway offramps, or street corners. "Fruit Carts" are not allowed.
*By City Code, catering trucks are defined as "any motorized vehicle designed primarily for dispensing victuals. For purposes herein, the term 'catering truck' shall include any trailer designed primarily for dispensing victuals but only if attached to a motor vehicle at all times during which victuals are being dispensed. 'Catering truck' shall not include any other trailer or any wagon or pushcart, either propelled or drawn by motorized or other force, or any other vehicle incidentally used for dispensing victuals."
7 comments:
So you're saying that in a city that outlaws fruit, only outlaws will sell fruit? Time for the Rebel Frutero Front to bring down the Empire! ;)
More questions for the City Nerd that all aspiring entrepenuers will need answers too:
How do I get a small business loan to start my illegal fruit stand business?
How do I collect my Social Security when my illegal fruit vending career is over due to my declining age and health?
Do I pay taxes on the revenue I earned from doing something "illegal"?
What a stupid ban. I will continue to buy bacon wrapped hot dogs and tacos as an act of civil disobedience. Neener neener, City of L.A.
ubrayj02, see you in the emergency room when you eat something that has not been stored in a safe way. In Atwater Village, these vendors set up on people's yards. I've nearly crashed into people u-turning and create traffic hazards around them. Nothing better than having a cart operator urinate into your bushes. There is a reason for food-vending laws.
@George: I have had food from very many sidewalk carts and never once been sick. On the other hand my friend got very ill from a raw vegan restaurant which was licensed and legal. Just because something isn't licensed by the government doesn't mean it isn't safe and vice versa.
All these laws do is force people underground. They are impractical and unjust, and just plain cynical and mean.
We've got restrictions on what and where you can sell things that would make the Soviets wince. Give people a chance to make an honest living, for christs sake.
I'll see you in the emergency room, George, in line behind all the other people who can't afford to pay for their own healthcare, for lack of good job.
Fruitanarchy is ok. I've eaten off the street a lot, and have gotten sick a couple times, but not much more than when I eat from legal catering turcks.
City Nerd, I'll out-nerd you. These vendors can get legal, and use health-department approved carts, if the city is willing to sell them pre-approved carts and provide some kind of 2-3 year loan. Crunch the numbers, and you'll see that vendors can afford it.
I have a related question: Is it legal to offer one's own labor services outside of a home center store (e.g. Home Depot)? Also, is it legal to hire these able workers? It seems as though the city gives tacit approval to this endeavor.
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