Street Vendors: Restrictions

A characteristic of street vending in America is the quantity, variety, and antagonistic quality of municipal regulations. Restrictions on street vendors are in effect worldwide, but in third world countries regulations have been tempered by the sheer numbers of people who depend on vending for their livelihood. Officials in America have been heavily influenced by health and hygiene reforms and by the power of fixed-location business owners who influence city government.

Restrictions on food selling may take the form of stringent and unrealistic requirements for storage, hot and cold running water on a cart, tent or cover over the food, health permit, long lists of forbidden foods, and attendance at food preparation classes. Chicago is widely known as one of the most restrictive cities in America, whereas New York is celebrated for the variety and quantity of food available from street vendors (with restrictions waxing and waning according to the current mayor). Mid-size cities often appreciate food vendors for ambiance but carefully restrict the activity and appearance of food carts.