A new proposal to ban sidewalk food vendors in Fresno’s popular Tower District is sparking intense debate among city officials, vendors, and community advocates.

The proposal, which targets the busiest nights of the week, aims to curb crime and increase public safety, but critics argue it unfairly punishes small business owners and fails to address the root causes of local problems.

The proposal, introduced by Fresno City Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Annalisa Perea, includes two key measures:

Ban on Sidewalk Vending: prohibits food vendors from operating on Friday and Saturday nights between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. in the Tower DistrictIncreased Fines for Unpermitted Vendors: vendors caught operating without a permit would face escalating fines

A second violation could result in a fine of up to $100, with penalties increasing for subsequent violations

Councilmember Arias explained that the proposal is aimed at improving public safety, particularly in response to increasing concerns about late-night crime, gang-related activities, and unlicensed vendors operating in the area.

At a recent Fresno City Council meeting, local vendors and nonprofit leaders voiced their concerns, saying they’re being targeted for just trying to make a living.

“Nothing that you’ve proposed here is going to address the root causes of the crime you’re worried about,” said Veva Islas, Executive Director of Cultiva La Salud.

Islas says a vulnerable community is being punished for a problem they’re not causing.

She said, “So, if you read this current amendment, it reads like the street food vendors are to blame for all the violence in Tower, that the street food venders are provoking violence against the police, that street food vendors are encouraging gang activity, right? Like it’s just, goes too far, in terms of trying to create this narrative and justification that villainizes street food vendors.”

The Fresno City Council will revisit the proposal at an upcoming meeting, next Thursday.

If approved, the new rules could go into effect as soon as December 1, 2025.

Advocates like Islas are urging residents to attend the meeting and make their voices heard.

One of the major elements of the proposal is a significant increase in fines for vendors operating without the proper permits.

Here’s a breakdown of how fines would be structured:

First Violation: Written warningSecond Violation: Fine up to $100Third Violation: Fine up to $200Fourth Violation: Fine up to $500

The City of Fresno encourages all vendors to obtain a permit, which can be done through an online application. To receive a permit, vendors must provide proof of insurance, pass a health and safety inspection, and pay a permit fee ranging from $150 to $300.