Street vendors may soon be allowed on Hollywood Walk of Fame if the L.A. City Council can get through the approval process.

An initial motion presented by Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez and President Paul Krekorian passed the council on Oct. 20 and will be heard by the Civil Rights and Public Works Committee, before being introduced for public comment.

"For years, a No-Street-Vending Zone on Hollywood Boulevard has targeted immigrant entrepreneurs who work so hard to provide for their families," Soto-Martinez said."As the son of street vendors, I know firsthand how these entrepreneurs are the ultimate small business owners in LA, contributing so much cultural vibrancy to our city."

The current ban on Hollywood Boulevard means vendors that are currently seen on the Walk of Fame risk fines and having their merchandise or food taken away. The street is part of a no-vending zone that is currently enforced within 500 feet of landmarks.

Legalization of street vending in the area was one of the promises Soto-Martinez made during his bid for city council in 2022.

California Senate Bill 972 took effect on January 1, decriminalizing street vending throughout the state, although there are limits related to selling in private property and landmarks.

"If our motion passes, street vendors themselves and community organizations will collaborate with the city on a first-of-its-kind "special vending zone" on Hollywood Blvd, which will inform a citywide framework for improving our street vending policies, Soto-Martinez said. "Instead of criminalizing these Angelenos, it's time we start supporting them."

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