Urban Street Vending and the Law

The reason that there are few if any street vendors on the streets of countries such as The Netherlands and Germany is that street vending is not allowed and if it is allowed you need a licence. To obtain a licence you may need to adhere to certain regulations. For some professions you may even need a diploma.

All of this serves primarily to protect the consumer, but it also protects the interests of shop owners and prevents public space from descending into anarchy and chaos. Not everyone with a pair of scissors can call him or herself a hair stylist and perishable food has to be properly stored, refridgerated and prepared. Street vending laws also protect street vendors against themselves. They might be inclined to set up shop at busy traffic junctions which may make them more vulnerable to traffic accidents.

While there is something to be said in favour of laws that either regulate or prohibit urban street vending, they also stifle entrepreneurship. When I was in Istanbul I was once again struck by the number of street vendors selling bottled water, bread, cigarettes etc. One day when it was pouring with rain outside the major tourist attractions vendors quickly emerged to seize the opportunity and sell umbrellas and raincoats at premium prices. Of course it comes with a price, but it is also a service. It’s the same with water. It’s good to know when you’re thirsty that around every street corner you may find someone selling water, even on a Sunday when shops are closed.

Behind these laws also lies a philosophy of public space: whether it is a market place, a place primarily for traffic and transportation, a place for leisure etc. In The Netherlands streets, roads, bicycle paths and even pavements are seen primarily as traffic routes. People who obstruct a pavement, whether with their car or by other means, may be fined and requested to move, because it forces pedestrians onto the road which may endanger their health.

Link:

An interesting illustrated guide to street vending in New York aimed at street vendors (beware 8.9Mb).