DC Council Reviewing Bill To Decriminalize Street Vending

Street vending without a license may soon be decriminalized in the District of Columbia. Late last month, Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1), who represents Columbia Heights, along with six other council members, introduced a bill to do just that. Although street vendors without a license could still be hit with a fine, the bill would remove criminal penalties from street vending violations, deterring police confrontations with vendors that have disproportionately affected people of color.

In a press release announcing the new legislation, Councilmember Nadeau said, “While we on the Council continue efforts to simplify that process [vendor licensing], interactions between vendors and police are escalating. The vendors share their culture and food with us, and I want to keep them in our communities and keep them safe. During the pandemic and recovery, we should especially ensure that they are able to maintain their traditional source of income.”

Washington D.C. is not the only major city tackling the issue. In June, in the wake George Floyd’s killing by Minnesota police officers and as part of several measures to decrease police violence, New York City Mayor Bill DiBlasio announced that civilian agencies would replace the police in citing street vendors for violations or operating without a license.

Street vendors in D.C., and particularly in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, do more than just sell goods to make ends meet, they are connected to residents and know their daily routines and neighborhood gossip. As the pandemic began hitting DC in early March, community health centers actually connected with street vendors asking them to be health ambassadors, educating people about the virus, social distancing, and providing hand sanitizer.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations for review. The bill does not include details on how violations would be enforced without police involvement.