Deshi Tribune Desk — A new law aimed at protecting street vendors has officially taken effect in New York City, ending the possibility of jail time for most vending-related violations.
City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who sponsored the legislation, joined fellow council members and street vendor advocates on the steps of City Hall on Monday to mark the implementation of the law. Council Speaker Julie Menin, Council Members Tiffany Cabán and Harvey Epstein, along with representatives from the Street Vendor Project and the New
York Immigration Coalition, attended the event.
The legislation, known as Local Law 122, was introduced by Krishnan last year as Intro 47B. The New York City Council passed the bill after overriding a veto by Mayor Eric Adams in September. The law officially went into effect on March 9.
Under the new measure, licensed street vendors who violate vending regulations will no longer face criminal charges or the threat of jail time. Instead, violations will be handled through civil penalties.
Unlicensed vendors may still receive penalties, but judges will no longer be able to issue criminal misdemeanour charges related to vending violations. Supporters say the change will have a major impact on the city’s vending community. According to advocates, about 96 per cent of street vendors in New York City are immigrants, many of whom previously faced immigration complications because of criminal charges tied to vending
violations.
Council Member Shekar Krishnan described the law as a historic and long-overdue step toward fairness for street vendors.
“Nobody should face jail time simply for selling food to support their family,” Krishnan said. He added that the reform is especially important at a time when many immigrant communities are experiencing increased concerns over federal immigration enforcement.
Advocacy groups say criminal penalties previously placed immigrant vendors at risk of being flagged by immigration authorities, which could lead to detention or deportation.
According to the Street Vendor Project, the New York Police Department issued 3,662 criminal summonses related to vending in 2025, with most of those issued to vendors of color.
Council Speaker Julie Menin said the law’s implementation represents an important step for the city’s small business community, ensuring that street vendors are treated more fairly and are not disproportionately targeted.
City officials noted that Local Law 122 is part of a broader Street Vendor Reform Package. Another proposed measure in the package would increase the number of street vending licenses in New York City, which supporters believe would help reduce the number of unlicensed vendors.
Krishnan said the City Council will continue working with the New York Police Department and other agencies to ensure the law is properly implemented and that vendors receive the protections guaranteed under the new legislation.
