Saturday, December 23, 2006 Talisay City strengthens law banning sidewalk vending
THE Talisay City Government is giving more teeth to a law prohibiting the putting up of structures for sidewalk vending along public streets.
The City Council recently approved an ordinance of Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza making it illegal for any person, store or entity to build any structure or sell along any portion of public streets or sidewalks.
The council said a sidewalk is a public property that forms part of the street intended for pedestrians. Councilors said it is beyond the commerce of man.
The newly approved measure covers any public road, lane or thoroughfare and any building or structure whose ground floor outer edge abuts the sidewalk.
Among others, it prohibits:
- Putting up of tables, stands, chairs, stools or any structure along any portion or the sidewalk, curb or street whether temporary or permanent for vending or any other purpose;
- Erecting an enclosure or fence on the sidewalk whether temporary, movable or permanent, in front of any building by any occupant or person responsible for the use or lease of the said structure;
- Placing signs at the sidewalk in front of a building or edifice that notifies the public that the area is for the exclusive parking space or use of the officials and occupants therein;
- Using the portion of a sidewalk in front of a commercial establishment, store or building, as a working area by the occupants therein;
- Hawking on the sidewalk and;
- Any other act that obstructor tends to lessen and diminish the free and open use of the sidewalk by the public and pedestrian.
The ordinance has specifically categorized the penalties of the violators;
For hawkers and vendors, the penalties are as follows:
- Civic action for eight hours and a stern warning for first offense;
- Imprisonment of seven days and a P200 fine for second offense;
- Imprisonment of 10 days and a P300 fine for third offense;
- Imprisonment of 15 days and a P500 fine, including seizure of the instrument of one’s trade, for fourth and succeeding offenses.
For those that put up enclosure, signs and use sidewalks as a working area they will also be penalized with:
- P1,000 fine for first offense;
- P1,500 fine for second offense;
- P2,000 fine for third offense; and
- P3,000 fine for fourth and succeeding offense with the duration of imprisonment.
For business establishments, the penalty includes the revocation of their business license. (GC)
