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Delegation debates legalizing street food vending zones near farmers markets; bill not moved
Summary
Delegates and community partners discussed a bill (transcript: "Farmer's Market Street food vending zones requirements, p g 4 11 26 h b 12 23") to authorize counties to create street food vending zones adjacent to farmers markets; delegates asked for more stakeholder work and did not move the measure.
The Prince George's County House Delegation's County Affairs Committee heard testimony on legislation described in the hearing as "Farmer's Market Street food vending zones requirements" (transcript string: "p g 4 11 26 h b 12 23") that would allow counties to designate areas adjacent to farmers markets as street food vending zones and set eligibility and operating rules for vendors.
Sponsor Delegate Tavares told the committee he is seeking to legalize and manage certain street vending zones to address what he called rampant illicit vending, linking uncontrolled activity to public-safety concerns such as alcohol sales and violent incidents. He said the bill needs additional work and that he plans to file an amendment to require community input, an NGO to help manage the zones, ties to commercial kitchens, and vendor training.
"We have received death threats," Delegate Tavares said of his work with vendors and organizers, describing the issue as "not a light matter." He also said his office has worked with the Langley Park Farmers Market to identify funding and a program manager to upgrade a local kitchen meant to support vendors.
Bridal Baker, a local partner who has worked with Tavares, described Crossroads Community Food Network as a model for formalized markets and vendor supports. Baker said Crossroads helped originate SNAPmatch benefits and provides multiple revenue streams that help incubate food businesses.
A county executive representative signaled willingness to collaborate with delegates and staff on amendments and implementation details. Several delegates urged coordination between the delegation and the county before the next meeting.
No formal vote or motion to advance the vending bill was recorded in this hearing; the committee chair encouraged continued work with stakeholders and staff before returning the item to the agenda.
