On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Santa Monica Beach was bustling with activity as street vendors lined the plank walk during the Labor Day weekend. The scene highlighted the impact of California's “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act” (SB 946), enacted in 2018 to promote economic opportunities for low-income and immigrant communities by legalizing sidewalk vending across the state.
In Santa Monica, specific state and local regulations govern street vending to ensure safety and compliance. Vendors are required to obtain a City of Santa Monica business license and, when applicable, a vending permit. Those selling food must also display a permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. These measures reflect the city's ongoing effort to balance public health and safety concerns with fostering opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.
