Las Vegas bans sidewalk vendors near major attractions, resorts

Clark County commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance on Tuesday that prohibits sidewalk vendors from selling their goods within 1,500 feet of prominent Las Vegas attractions.

These restricted zones include resort hotels, sports facilities with a capacity of at least 20,000 people, convention facilities operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and highway medians adjacent to parking lots, such as the iconic Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign, KTNV reported.

"I want to tell you that I've been to the Las Vegas sign in the last month. I can't wait to start enforcing it. Unfortunately, there's more than 10 there on any given night and I don't think that was the intent for the Las Vegas sign," Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick was quoted as saying in the report.

The commercial activities on the sidewalks have also been a concern among representatives of the Nevada Resort Association.

"We know the congestion on sidewalks, which are not sized for commercial activity. Pedestrians need to be able to move safely throughout the corridor. We know congestion can create opportunities for crime and creates challenges for those with limited mobility and makes it harder for first responders to respond when they're needed," Virginia Valentine, who was representing the association at the county commissoners' meeting, said to the news outlet.

The ordinance's approval follows the passage of Senate Bill 92 earlier this year, signed into law by Gov. Joe Lombardo. The ordinance is slated to take effect on October 17, though Commissioner Jim Gibson noted that it is the first of two ordinances under consideration.

"The second ordinance will come in the near term. We're hoping in January 2024. That will be an ordinance that will give very, very specific direction and outline the way that the business needs to be conducted," Gibson said.

According to commissioners, the upcoming ordinance will establish regulations concerning licensing fees and designate specific zones in both residential and commercial areas where sidewalk vending will be permitted. In compliance with state law, this second ordinance must be in place by July 1, 2024, the report said.

Commissioner Gibson emphasized the importance of soliciting public feedback on sidewalk vending concerns moving forward. To facilitate this dialogue, two town hall meetings are scheduled for October.