Deck the sidewalks

December 14, 2009  |  New York City

xmas_gauntlet

Did you know that no vending license is required to sell ”coniferous trees” on the sidewalk in New York during the month of December? Its true, although you do need the permission of the adjoining property owner. According to §19-136 of the NYC Admin Code, you may also sell palm branches, myrtle branches, willow branches, and citron (presumably for sukkot) during September and October.

This law creates a wonderful Christmasy tradition, even though sometimes you have to squeeze down a path between a small forest of Douglas firs.  So how about a similar  licensing exemption for fruit vendors during the summer months? At least strawberries during strawberry season? Or it is only wholesome families from places like Vermont that get those kinds of breaks?


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Street Vendor Project - Urban Justice Center
123 William Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10038 | Tel: (646) 602-5679, (646) 602-5681, Fax: (212) 533-4598
Background photo by SpecialKRB