City of New Orleans conducts illegal vendor sweep

Photo courtesy New Orleans Police Department’s Facebook page.

The Office of Nighttime Economy coordinated a sweep along the St. Claude Corridor, the City of New Orleans announced Tuesday.

The sweep was conduction from Esplanade Avenue to Piety Street, as well as St. Bernard Avenue and Elysian Fields Avenue, on Friday, July 14. According to a news release, this was done to address illegal vendors in the area. They were joined by the New Orleans Police Department’s 5th District, the New Orleans Fire Department, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Safety and Permits and the State’s Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

It was done at the request of the NOPD, businesses and residents, and the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association. The sweep was aimed to address issues surrounding illegal/unpermitted alcohol sales, food vending, parking, trash dumping and the obstruction of the public right of way.

“Repurposing the way each City department deals with our nighttime economy is key to protecting our culture bearers and their quality of life,” Office of Nighttime Economy Director Howie Kaplan said in a news release. “Unfortunately, illegal street vending can pose serious public health threats and negatively impact the legitimate venues that are in compliance with City regulations. This area in particular has seen numerous accidents related to illegal vending, including the death of a cyclist last month. These departments are banding together in sweeps that will help protect residents and businesses alike.”

Notice signs were posted July 12, prohibiting vending and selling alcohol without proper permits. Upon arrival Friday, several of the signs had been removed at St. Claude Avenue and Marais Street. There were three food trucks, six trailers with BBQ pits, deep friers and generators.

“Of those six trailers, five were hooked up to vehicles and one fled the scene,” the news release reads. “Each of the three food trucks were inspected, and all food trucks and trailers left at the conclusion of the sweep.”

NOPD issued two citations, one open carry handgun permit check and one arrest for a warrant. NOFD issued two summons, four citations, one warning, one arrest and one business closure for grilling food in the rear of the business. ATC conducted nine business checks. Revenue conducted 10 business checks.

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