Street vendors are businesspeople who sell their wares in the open air rather than in a shop or store. In many cases, the vendor either has a small stand that can be secured when not in operation, or makes use of a cart that can be removed from the street at the end of the business day. Sometimes referred to as a peddler, the street vendor is commonly found in metropolitan areas, outdoor conventions and events, and sometimes at public beaches.
As with any type of business operation, a street vendor must obtain a business license in order to sell to the general public. In order to secure a street vendor's license, the businessperson usually must comply with standards that would also apply if the business was operating indoors. For example, a vendor selling hot dogs on a street corner would still be held responsible for maintaining health code standards that would apply to any bar and grill that sold hot dogs.
Periodic inspections by health examiners are generally conducted to make sure the street vendor remains in compliance with current regulations. If the vendor is found to be in violation, there may be a fine and a warning issued. Should the infractions not be corrected within a reasonable period of time, the street vendor's permit can be revoked.