posted March 21, 2006
The City Council passed an ordinance banning street vendors within the confines of the new 21st Century Waterfront Plan.
Councilwoman Sally Robinson said the ordinance is aimed at halting street sales by vendors attracted by the large crowds at the riverfront who "just pull into a parking lot and set up shop."
She said such sales work to the detriment of nearby employees who are paying rent and taxes.
Ms. Robinson said without the legislation "we could wind up with people selling sno-cones out of the back of a truck."
Council members voiced approval, but some said the ban should not be restricted to the waterfront.
Councilwoman Marti Rutherford said, "Brainerd Road looks so trashy in the spring with people selling socks, teddy bears and hot dogs."
And Councilman Jack Benson said he has a problem in his district with "vendors on Shallowford Road selling furniture, rocking chairs and everything."
He added, "I would really like to do something about all those wicker chairs."
Councilwoman Rutherford said the ordinance was another example of paying attention to downtown at the expense of the suburbs.
But Councilman Leamon Pierce said the ordinance did not require any city expenditure. He said it could be amended later to take in other areas.
Phil Noblett of the city attorney's office said there is already an ordinance on the book banning street vending without a license. Councilman Pierce said it is not enforced.
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