Скачать или смотреть Unpermitted Street Vendors Evade Authorities in Santa Monica Pier Sweep

SANTA MONICA, CA — Efforts to remove unpermitted street vendors from the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, November 6, 2021, were unsuccessful, as vendors managed to evade authorities and resume selling. Santa Monica Code Enforcement officers, assisted by Santa Monica Police officers, attempted to push the vendors off the pier, but after a stand-off and chase, the vendors avoided removal and continued operating.

Santa Monica City Council Members Phil Brock and Lana Negrete were present at the scene and witnessed the failed enforcement effort. Despite the attempted sweep, no citations were issued, and no arrests were made.

Allied Universal private security guards were stationed at all pier entrances to deter unpermitted vending, but many vendors had arrived before security measures were in place earlier in the morning.

𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

The City of Santa Monica has implemented strict regulations on street vending at the pier, citing safety concerns over fire hazards from butane and propane-fueled cooking carts. Officials from the city’s Code Enforcement division, the Los Angeles County Health Department, and the Santa Monica Police Department conduct periodic enforcement operations to mitigate risks, including improper grease and trash disposal, as well as unsanitary food service conditions.

An emergency ordinance passed on August 24, 2021, prohibits the dumping of commercial trash in public receptacles, the disposal of liquid waste in public spaces and storm drains, and the use of unpermitted combustible fuels on and around the pier. Violations of these regulations can result in infractions, misdemeanors, or administrative citations, and combustible fuels may be confiscated by the Fire Marshal.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚

Street vending remains restricted on the Santa Monica Pier, with only licensed vendors authorized to operate under the city’s existing cart program. All vendors in Santa Monica are required to obtain a business license and vending permit, while food vendors must also display a permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The City has further restricted sidewalk vending in high-traffic areas to ensure public safety. Stationary vending is prohibited in congested locations such as the pier, Third Street Promenade, and Palisades Park.

Despite ongoing enforcement efforts, the continued presence of unpermitted vendors on the pier highlights the challenges faced by city officials in maintaining compliance with safety regulations.