Addressing Unpermitted Vending at the Santa Monica Pier

April 21, 2021 11:00 AM
by Anuj Gupta

The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic destination where you can take in views of the Pacific, enjoy lunch al fresco, or hop on the Ferris wheel. With all there is to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Pier is one of Southern California’s most sought-after destinations for locals and visitors.  

Following the passage of SB 946 in 2018, which decriminalized sidewalk vending in California, the City of Santa Monica created a Sidewalk Vending Program in April 2019 designed to provide a safe and legal pathway to licensed vending in Santa Monica. The basis of the program is to balance public health and safety with expanding economic opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs who obtain a permit to vend.

 

All vendors need a City of Santa Monica business license and vending permit to sell any items in the City, and vendors selling food must also obtain and display a Los Angeles County Department of Public Health permit.  The four-step process to secure a low-cost license and permit are outlined here.  

As part of the City’s program, sidewalk vending is restricted in certain congested, high-traffic areas to protect public safety. This includes on and around the Pier, where all vending is prohibited except the City’s existing licensed vendor cart program, and the beach, Third Street Promenade, and Palisades Park, where stationary vending is not permitted.  

The City recognizes there are vendors on the Pier and along the beach area who are operating outside of the permit system and counter to location restrictions. City teams are actively engaged in enforcement and education efforts to protect the health and safety of our community and beach visitors. Here is a snapshot of these efforts: 

• Dedicated Code Enforcement staffing specifically focused on vending compliance and safety, with support from Santa Monica Police Department personnel  
• Focused enforcement at Beach Lot 1 North of the City’s prohibition on large vehicles in public parking lots to deter unpermitted vending activity  
• Pursuing criminal charges and stay-away orders against those involved in criminal conduct or violence 
• Advocating with state legislators for modest changes to state law that would protect the objectives of SB 946 while enabling the City to more effectively address public safety impacts related to the health and safety of all of our visitors on the Pier

Remember, if you purchase items from a vendor, be sure they have an official vending permit issued by the City of Santa Monica as well as an LA County Public Health Permit for food items. Look for these permit decals on the vendors cart or badge. Do not purchase items from vendors in areas around the Pier where vending is prohibited.  

To report unpermitted vending activity, call 310-458-8495. 

Always wear a mask and practice physical distancing when visiting the Pier. 

Authored By

Anuj Gupta
Deputy City Manager