First licensed street vendor open for business in North Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If you’ve visited the Smiths near Aliante and 215 recently, chances are you’ve met Robert Margeson.

He is the new licensed street vendor in the valley.

Margeson received a license from the city of North Las Vegas in October and now serves hot dogs near the store’s entrance.

“You know, it feels good to know that I’m doing the right thing,” Margeson said. “You drive around and see street vendors everywhere, so I know people have to make a living, but I do it the right way.”

Margeson told Channel 13 that another vendor inspired him to open his own stand.

He spent about $7,000 to get all the necessary permits and bring his cart up to health district standards.

“For North Las Vegas, you obviously have to have a health card, a health check on your cart, you have to pass a propane inspection, you have to get zoning, and the cart has to be approved and apply for a license. The process isn’t really that difficult, but it can be a little lengthy,” Margeson said.

The license fee in North Las Vegas is $150 plus $30 processing fee. State business license required. Street vendors will also need to obtain a permit from the Southern Nevada Health District. In total, the fees are about $1,200.

The cost does not include possible sanitation improvements that the Southern Nevada Health District requires for street carts.

• City of North Las Vegas Business License: $150 plus $30 processing fee.
• State Business License: $200 annual fee.
• SNHD Permit: $500 one-time fee, $376 annual fee.

Margeson is the only licensed retailer, according to the City of North Las Vegas. North Las Vegas has not issued any citations, but is conducting complaint-based inspections in conjunction with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the North Las Vegas Police Department. The city is also providing vendors with information on how to obtain a curbside vending license in North Las Vegas.
Currently, all four major municipalities in the Valley have their own rules for street vendors, with Clark County being the first to approve the ordinance back in April.

Although the county has been accepting applications for about seven months, only four curbside vending licenses have been issued.

We asked the county how many tickets it has issued so far, but they have not responded. However, back in May we were informed that 38 written warnings had been issued.

Meanwhile, city officials in Las Vegas and Henderson said they did not distribute any licenses or citations.

“I think the unlicensed sellers are doing what they have to do. I’m guessing they don’t have a medical card, you know, they’re in the food business, so it’s very frustrating to see them here,” Margeson said. .

“I don’t make enough money to pay for all the licenses I need,” says Vertin Gonzalez, a full-time salesman from North Las Vegas.

Channel 13 first introduced you to Gonzalez back in July. He told us that many suppliers are not interested in obtaining a license because it is too expensive.

“I can barely cope. I still have bills, rent, fresh food, and I also have a family,” Gonzalez said.

Back in July, Make The Road Nevada launched a fundraiser to help struggling merchants.pay all the huge fees.

“We encourage the community to support this campaign as it is an investment in the strength and diversity of our neighbourhoods. Together, we can help these vendors overcome bureaucratic hurdles and thrive in their businesses while contributing to Nevada’s vibrant street scene,” said Make The Road Nevada.

In the meantime, Margeson hopes to become a regular vendor and open stands in all four of the valley’s major municipalities.

“Freedom to work the hours you want, take vacations whenever you want.