VENICE : Crackdown on Boardwalk Vendors OKd by Council
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The Los Angeles City Council approved a pilot program Tuesday aimed at easing crowded conditions on the Venice Beach boardwalk by regulating vending sales on the famous tourist strip.
“The cops have been concerned for a long time--as has the Fire Department, but particularly the police--about their ability to respond in the event of an emergency,” said Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, who represents Venice.
Under municipal law, only nonprofit organizations can set up vending tables on the boardwalk, but merchants long have complained that many vendors do not have that status.
Merchants said illegal vendors are hurting their business, and the proliferation of vending tables also has created foot and vehicular traffic congestion on the boardwalk.
Under the five-month program, each organization can set up only one table with a maximum of two chairs. All tables will be restricted to the west side of the strip, and vendors can operate only between 9 a.m. and sunset.
The Recreation and Parks Department will hire three part-time security officers to enforce the restrictions. The program will not affect street performers.
In the past, the Los Angeles Police Department cited some of the illegal vendors, but the problem persisted because of limited resources.
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