Illegal street vending in San Francisco heavily contributed to the city losing businesses whose merchandise became targets for thieves to resell, mainly on Mission Street and other locations.Under sunny and warm conditions on Thursday, police units stood near Mission and 24th streets, as well as at Mission and 16th streets, to ensure compliance with the ban on illegal street vendors.All vendors, including those with licenses, were evicted from the area.
Following the ban in the Mission, the city temporarily established La Tiangue, a free space for licensed vendors.However, a resident told KTVU that illegal booths return after 6 p.m. until midnight, with selling continuing unabated."I pay tax. I pay for permit. But, I cannot do anything on the street. But the people who don't have any papers, selling every day," said Jaime Luana, who is a licensed vendor.