SB 972 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last Friday, and questions have been starting to pour in from working street vendors asking how exactly they will be able to apply for permits. More importantly, how soon?
L.A. TACO reached out to Doug Smith, the Supervising Senior Staff Attorney at Public Counsel, the nation's largest provider of pro bono legal services. He has been active in L.A.’s street vending legalization movement, alongside Rudy Espinoza, since the movement first gained traction over a decade ago. He filled us in on an official timeline for the law to go into effect and specifics relating to street vending equipment requirements depending on street vendors' type of food.
L.A. TACO: How soon, more or less, do you think we will start seeing any application process for local health departments like LA and Long Beach?
Doug Smith: All street food vendors will benefit immediately from decriminalization. As of January 1, any violation of the state food code, including operating without a permit, will be punishable only by a non-criminal administrative fine. No misdemeanors or arrests will be permitted.