City Council consulting on how to control vending

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is once again trying to regularize vending in Georgetown through a vending policy.

The M&CC in a statement on Thursday said it is consulting with vendors about the policy in an effort to ensure everyone is involved in the final draft of the vending policy.

“It is absolutely necessary at this juncture that the Council implement a policy to guide and control the vending activities along the City’s streets. Vending has become means of earning a livelihood for many single parents who reside in Georgetown and other rural areas,” the Council noted in the statement.

It is encouraging vendors to cooperate with officers conducting the consultation.

The policy seeks to provide a legal frame work within which vendors can operate.

“It sets out to make vending a special component of urban development by allowing for zoning,” according to the M&CC.

Hygiene practices, disposal of waste and legitimate representation are some of the issues coined in the documents.

The policy considers seasonal, night, mobile and itinerant vending.

Currently, vending is only allowed within the curfew hours in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines.

The Council noted that it has always sought to use creative and amicable ways to address the vending issue.

In 1976, the Council responded to needs of the vending population by constructing the Vendors Arcade. Again, in 1988, the Stabroek Bazaar was constructed to bring relief to those seeking a venue to ply their trades municipal facility.

In 1990, two sections of the Merriman Mall were identified which allow vendors to operate. Most recently, in 2009, New Vendors Mall on Water Street was identified to address the needs of the vendors.