The mostly immigrant population representing the bulk of street vendors can either rent an existing license or risk fines of up to $1,000, as well as the confiscation of their wares for working without a license, or with a license but without a location-based permit.
Even in a hostile regulatory environment, street vendors sell their stuff in all corners of the city, in untold numbers of languages. Vendors say they want to ensure that licenses and permits are plentiful and accessible for all entrepreneurs, to have street businesses regulated by the Department of Small Business Services like brick-and-mortar establishments, and to remove the NYPD entirely from the regulatory framework.