Proposed Vendor Ordinance “Would Open Up Opportunities” Says Chicago Entrepreneur Advocate

CHICAGO—For many years, Chicago’s sidewalk vendors have been prohibited from selling anything that was not prepackaged.  As a result, they are not allowed to mix elotes, cut fruit, pour hot chocolate into a cup, scoop popcorn, or even put a hot dog in a bun. A new proposal from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson would allow vendors to cut, mix, and assemble fresh snacks to order, if they have the equipment to ensure food safety. The Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship has worked with vendors for decades, advocating for rules that can let their businesses thrive.

“Street food makes Chicago neighborhoods more vibrant, culturally and economically.  When vendors can prepare food to order, they can serve fresher food and customers can get exactly what they want,” said Beth Kregor, director of the IJ Clinic. “The Mayor’s ordinance would open up opportunities in an important way. However, the current version bans food carts from large swaths of the city, just to protect restaurants. The rules are confusing and hard to follow, and our vendors will be vulnerable to fines and even arrests, as we have seen in the last year. Chicago is a foodie city, and there is appetite for all sorts of entrepreneurs to sell in our neighborhoods. City Council should make sure vendors are free to make Chicago more delicious, safer, and more vibrant.”

Details of proposed ordinance:

• Creates new license for vendors who prepare food on a cart.
• Food Cart Preparers would need a handwashing sink and proper equipment to keep food at the safe temperature.
• Food Cart Preparers could not sell on the sidewalk within 200 feet of a business that sells ready-to-eat food.*
• Food Cart Preparers have to move every four hours.*
• Food Cart Preparers could contract to sell on private property (but not privately owned vacant property) but would still be limited to four hours and distance from restaurant.
• Commissioner of Transportation can create stands on the sidewalk that are approved for vendors, in consultation with alders.  They would need to be approved by City Council.*

*These rules are copied over from the food truck rules.  They have not applied to sidewalk vendors before.

Above: A map showing 200 foot circles around food service locations in Little Village, where many vendors would like to offer service. Interactive map available HERE.