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City officials in Huntington Beach are enforcing street sales crackdowns, particularly in popular areas such as the beaches, piers, the Pacific Coast Highway and the Downtown area.
While vending of sidewalks is permitted under a valid city-issued license, vendors are strictly prohibited from installing shops on sand, piers, nearby parking lots, or certain busy corridors.
The city’s sidewalk vending ordinance, introduced since 2019, requires food, goods or services to be sold in public spaces for first license. Otherwise, violators could face sudden consequences.
Sales in prohibited areas such as beaches will involve a penalty of up to $1,000 per day, city officials confirmed.
A city spokesperson told KTLA’s Rachel Menithov that the street vending ordinance aims to prevent foodborne illnesses and address safety concerns related to unauthorized food sales.
Local restaurant owner Leno Moreno says it supports enforcement and helps create a fair environment for businesses that comply with health and safety regulations.
“There are a lot of these catering trucks right now. Some of them are legally operating and some of them are not legally operating, which hurts small businesses,” Moreno said.
Despite the rules, some residents and visitors believe that the city’s approach may be too strict.
Huntington Beach resident Barbara Swanson said she never experienced any problems by buying fruit from a street vendor.
“I stopped at the horns to get some fruit. I’ve never been sick because it’s in the ice, so I’m everything for that,” Swanson said. “I have nothing against it.”
Street and sidewalk vending in Huntington Beach and the surrounding area is prohibited as city officials aim to crack down on activities during busy summer months. (Huntington Beach City)
Others said restricting beach vending is painful for both vendors and beach fans.
“For some people, that’s their livelihood,” said James Van Pelt, another Huntington Beach resident. “I mean, the beach is very long. It’s convenient to go up and get some hot dogs and slussi.”
Through the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, California’s decriminalized sidewalk vending in 2018 allows cities to regulate when, where and how vendors operate.
The Huntington Beach Police Department said enforcement includes education and warnings. Officers will first explain the rules and seek voluntary compliance before issuing a quote.
The increase in enforcement is already noticeable for some. “I haven’t seen anything wrong with it,” said one local. “It’s more competitive and now everyone plays with the same rules.”
The city said the efforts are part of a broader push to manage public spaces while balancing health, safety and economic equity.
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