Street vendors in Southern Nevada's Clark County continue to encounter significant obstacles in obtaining and operating with licenses, despite the legalization of street vending in Nevada in 2023. These challenges include a complicated permitting process, elevated initial costs, and restrictive local ordinances, leading to a stark contrast in the number of licensed vendors compared to Northern Nevada.
Julieta González Moreno, who runs "Antojitos Mexicanos" in East Las Vegas and obtained her street vending license over a year ago, regularly faces difficulties with authorities. Moreno stated that finding a stable location for her cart has been challenging, often being told by authorities that an additional permit is required to operate near parks or businesses. She also recounted that a friend was recently taken into custody after police found she lacked a license to sell in a designated area. Moreno expressed frustration, noting that even with a license, vendors are often asked for additional permits or moved by police.
As of 2026, only about 17 street vendors hold licenses across the entire Las Vegas Valley, with just seven of them possessing an additional license for multi-jurisdictional operation. This number is significantly lower than in Northern Nevada, where Northern Nevada Public Health, the health district for Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, reports 130 individuals hold permits under its Mobile and Portable Food Program, which oversees all types of food establishments on wheels. Elizabeth Velazquez, an organizer with the non-profit immigration advocacy group Make the Road Nevada, characterized Northern Nevada's system as "more accessible" with "more opportunities."
The process of obtaining a license in Clark County is described as laborious by vendors like Moreno. The initial permit from the Southern Nevada Health District costs approximately $1,000. Additionally, vendors must pay hundreds of dollars for insurance and other licensing fees. A state business license costs about $200 annually, while a county business license is nearly $195 initially. Beyond fees, the cost of purchasing a cart that meets health district standards, including running water and restaurant-grade equipment, can exceed $10,000.
While Clark County and the health district indicate that license approval typically takes about two weeks, Moreno shared that her entire process spanned nearly five months. She attributed this extended timeline to the need to gather all required information and meet various requirements. Furthermore, several street vendors have expressed that the Trump administration's immigration agenda has caused hesitation in collaborating with local governments, fearing confrontation with local authorities and referral to immigration officials. Some vendors have been unable to begin the licensing process due to the requirement of a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, which they lack. Velazquez described an incident where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a street vendor in Las Vegas while she was selling food with her daughter, who was not detained. Velazquez called the incident absurd, highlighting that street vending has been legal for years and authorities had no reason to approach her.
A significant challenge for licensed vendors in Clark County involves restrictions on where they can set up. A county ordinance established in 2024 prohibits street vendors from operating within 500 feet of any county park without a special permit. Another county rule prevents them from being within 150 feet of a licensed traditional restaurant or other vendors. State law further bars vendors from operating within 1,500 feet of hotels or large arenas, effectively banning them from the Las Vegas casino Strip. Moreno commented that these restrictions close off areas where street vendors have "the best opportunity to sell." Violations in these restricted areas can result in a $500 fine or up to six months in jail, a risk Moreno admitted she sometimes took for better sales.
Make the Road Nevada has long advocated for street vending and its organizer, Elizabeth Velazquez, highlighted a recent collaboration with Northern Nevada Health, which facilitated five street vendors in Washoe County obtaining their licenses. As part of this partnership, Northern Nevada Health provided Make the Road Nevada with approximately $100,000 for direct and practical support. Velazquez also indicated that Make the Road plans to address the issue during the 2027 legislative session, though the organization's program to assist street vendors has largely paused due to federal subsidy cuts and a general lack of funds. State Democratic Senator Fabian Doñate, who has sponsored previous legislation related to street vending, is considering reintroducing a bill in the 2027 session. This proposed bill would exempt certain "non-hazardous" food vendors, such as those selling chips or cookies, from specific food establishment regulations in Clark and Washoe counties. Senator Doñate acknowledged that full transition of street food vendors to licensed operation has not yet been achieved.
