New law gives S.F. police authority to enforce street vending regulations

"Mayor Daniel Lurie presided on Tuesday over a celebratory ceremony for state legislation that cracks down on illegal vending. The new law allows police to issue tickets that could result in a jail sentence and fine for vendors selling stolen goods. "This law protects legitimate vendors. It supports those who work hard and play by the rules. And it ensures that honest businesses can operate without fear of intimidation," said Mayor Daniel Lurie"

"Under the new law, the Board of Supervisors will draft a list of commonly stolen goods around the city. If a person is found in possession of any of those goods and can't provide a receipt, they will receive a written warning from Public Works employees. Police officers will issue an infraction if a second or third offense occurs within 18 months of the first offense."

"A fourth offense within 18 months of the first can lead to a misdemeanor, a fine and six months of jail time. The legislation, which only applies to San Francisco, is an amendment to SB 946, the 2018 statewide bill that decriminalized vending. At present, the Department of Public Works leads all interactions with vendors. However, after multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse from unpermitted vendors, police officers began to accompany Public Works employees on their rounds in 2023."

San Francisco enacted state legislation that increases penalties for unpermitted vending of stolen goods, authorizing police-issued tickets and potential jail time. The Board of Supervisors will compile a list of commonly stolen items; possession of listed goods without a receipt triggers a written warning from Public Works employees. Repeat offenses within an 18-month period result in escalating enforcement: an infraction on the second or third offense, and a misdemeanor with fines and up to six months' jail for a fourth offense. The law amends SB 946 and applies only to San Francisco. Public Works currently leads vendor interactions, with police accompanying crews after reports of vendor abuse. Food prepared on site is exempt.

Read at Mission Local