by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
If City Council member Jerry Holland gets his way, licensed sidewalk vendors downtown will be able to retain their permits and posts during area special events, including the Super Bowl.
According to the City’s ordinance code, those vendors are prohibited from operating during that event and others including parades, Florida/Georgia weekend and the Gator Bowl, where heavy pedestrian traffic is expected.
Holland filed legislation to change that Tuesday afternoon, saying, “This is for the little guys.”
Only vendors licensed for at least six months stand to benefit.
“These are people who provide a regular service to the public on a day to day basis,” said Holland. “But when a special event comes to the area, we tell them they can’t operate without getting another permit. They’ve established a business clientele and they deserve to keep it.”
Sidewalks vendors are required to pay $250 annually to remain in business.
To operate within the Host Committee-sanctioned SuperFest costs upwards of $8,500, however that fee includes a tent and electricity.
“I just didn’t think that was right,” said Holland. “And I’ve had people call me saying that it isn’t fair. They say it seems like the Super Bowl is a great opportunity for everyone but these kinds of vendors.”
Holland said he was especially upset when he heard that those vendors could be out of service for several days when the SuperFest, which encompasses much of the downtown waterfront, is up and running.
“It’s bad enough when we shut someone down for even one day,” he said. “But to tell them they can’t operate for three or four could present a seriously negative financial situation.”
Tracey Arpen, deputy general counsel for the City, drafted Holland’s bill. He said it could have far reaching impact if passed as is.
“This has the potential to secure those vendors their preassigned location and also prevents them from having to apply for another license through the City’s Special Events Office,” he said. “I would imagine that, especially during the Super Bowl, that kind of guarantee could be very valuable.”
Holland’s bill won’t endure Council committee scrutiny for several weeks, but he said he’s looking forward to building a base of support to hopefully get it passed
“I haven’t spoken with any of my colleagues yet, but I am curious to what they think,” he said. “This could affect several districts so I’m sure I’ll get a lot of feedback.”