Cabinet promises to address indiscriminate vending in St. John’s with new rules and, possibly, a permit

With constant objections to the indiscriminate and disorderly
vending in and around St. John’s City, the Cabinet is looking at
implementing new rules to rein in this practice.

Pedestrians and business owners have complained that it is difficult
to maneuver downtown, especially on Market Street, where vendors

line the sidewalks with their tents and tables, forcing people to walk
in the street and dodge traffic.

The Executive addressed this issue during its meeting on
Wednesday, March 13, stating that this activity in public spaces,
especially in St. John’s, cannot be allowed to continue.

Therefore, it suggests that “new rules governing vending are being
considered, including securing a permit to vend and permission to
occupy certain spaces,” the Cabinet Notes say.

Vending areas being kept clean, according to the standards set by
the Central Board of Health (CBH), will also be of utmost
importance, the Executive notes.

The object of any new rules and regulations would be to bring
greater order to a “helter-skelter arrangement that leads to
untidiness,” The Notes explain.

Meanwhile, it has been over four years since the issue of
indiscriminate vending was raised.

On December 3, 2019, Prime Minister Gaston Browne had told the
Parliament that beach vending was a serious problem the
Government intended to address.

At that time, even as the Cabinet was suggesting the introduction of
a permit to vend, he said that a beach-vending licence did not give
the holder the right to construct any structure on the beachfront.

He also indicated that the profusion of vendors on Market Street
could result in a situation similar to Jamaica, where a new capital
area – New Kingston – was created to deal with
indiscriminate vending.

Browne said, then, that the Government would look about
addressing this issue, but promised that any decision taken would
not impact the livelihood of the vendors.

He admonished them to ply their trade peaceably and ensure they
do so in a clean and healthy environment.