Measure to Temporarily Reinstate Atlanta Steet Vendors Tabled

August 19th, 2013

The Atlanta City Council Monday voted 12-2 to table a measure that would have allowed the city’s street vendors to return to work.

Councilman Michael Julian Bond authored the proposal, which aimed to reinstate vending permits until the end of the year.

“The goal was to get them back to work as quickly as possible,” said Bond.

In March, authorities cleared out the city’s street vendors to pave the way for a more uniform system. Mayor Kasim Reed, however, has yet to be establish the new system, which has left most vendors unemployed for more than four months.

During Monday’s council meeting, Reed released a draft outline of the new vending system, with a promise to introduce legislation in 60 days.

Larry Miller of the Atlanta Vendors Association was disappointed Bond’s temporary measure was tabled and says the mayor’s timeline means vendors won’t be able to take advantage of the end of the Braves season.

“Reed has lacked compassion because who would shut down 30 vendors who have families to feed? Vendors live day for day. Right now we need to go back to work and work until the end of the year.”

Melissa Mullinax, a spokeswoman for the mayor, emphasized it was important not to rush the process.