Las Vegas Issues First Street Vendor License Under New Law, Total Cost Hits $2,400
The Little Beans Cafe, a venture by pastry chef Jeselia Rodriguez and her family, is making history as Las Vegas’s first officially licensed sidewalk vendor — a status that would seem an accomplishment yet represents both progress and continuing challenges for local entrepreneurs. The cafe, a family-run business serving up a mix of slushies, tacos, hot dogs, and coffee, is in the midst of community outreach work. But the road to licensing has not been a smooth one.
Rodriguez was up against over $2,000 worth of licensing fees and nearly $400 a month in commissary space, a requirement per Southern Nevada Health District regulations. Nonetheless, she underscored the strength of Las Vegas’s supportive vendor community and the city of North Las Vegas’s more lenient approach, which permits vendors to work in parks without many of the same restrictions.
City Manager Minerva Gomez stated that outreach efforts are underway to help more vendors navigate the licensing process but acknowledged that financial burdens remain a barrier. Many vendors are still unlicensed due to the complex and costly requirements, including food handler permits and commissary fees.
Proposed changes in Senate Bill 295 may help, allowing for a single permit across jurisdictions and the home preparation of certain non-hazardous foods.
“It’s going to be a bit hard due to the fact that it’s not just those costs you have to put into consideration. You have to take into consideration the cost of the material. The cost of what we’re selling,” said vendor Gonzalez in Spanish from the east valley. “It’s not only me. Multiple street vendors are going to attempt to apply for these licenses. I’m going to try to continue operations in the meantime.”
