SAN DIEGO - The City of San Diego is cracking down on street vendors at the beach.
The San Diego City council has unanimously approved strengthening its recent street vendor ordinance to stop pop-up vendors from setting up in parks or sidewalks along local beaches.
“What we’re most concerned with is protecting the public’s access to the beach,” said Mission Beach Town Council President Larry Webb told NBC 7.
Regulations in costal communities are under the purview of the state Coastal Commission, but it appears after the recent council vote, the city will be able to crack down on unlicensed vendors at the beaches. Tommy Turner is one of the street vendors at Mission Beach and says despite the new rules coming down, he understands its about creating a level playing field with the other businesses in the area.
“If they have to pay for a business license then vendors should also have to pay,” said Turner.
The stronger ordinance is expected to be enforced starting next year.
In this May 2022 photo, vendors are set up along the Mission Beach boardwalk. Photo: Eddie McCoven