Code of the District of Columbia

§ 37–131.02. Vending from public space.

(a) Except as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a person shall not vend from a sidewalk, roadway, or other public space unless the person holds:

(1) A basic business license;

(2) A vending site permit, or other authorization issued by the Mayor, setting forth the specific location on public space from which the person may vend; and

(3) Such other licenses, permits, and authorizations that the Mayor may require by rule.

(b) The Mayor may authorize the following persons to vend from public space without a basic business license or vending site permit:

(1) An employee or youth assistant of a licensed vendor;

(2) A person vending at a licensed special event;

(3) A person vending at a public market that has been issued a valid permit by the Mayor; and

(4) A person or entity authorized to vend from public space without a license pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.

(c) Repealed.

(d) The Mayor may establish by regulation exemptions from the licensure requirement for a person, entity, or categories of persons or entities to vend from public space without a basic business license when the public interest would be served by establishing such an exemption.

(e) Vendors may operate only during the following hours:

(1) Sunday through Thursday, from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.; and

(2) Friday and Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day; provided, that vendors operating in Residential Zones, as specified in the District of Columbia Zoning Regulations, shall not vend past 10:00 p.m. on any night of the week.