Inauguration Street-Vendor Applications Being Accepted Now

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs released information yesterday for street vendors peddling goods during the inauguration.

According to the department’s Web site, all vendors must be currently licensed in Washington or apply for a temporary badge, which will serve as a license during the inauguration. The badge will only be valid on the day of the swearing-in, January 20, and will allow vendors to sell goods in designated areas throughout Washington. Only currently licensed vendors may operate on other dates.

More than 700 sites near the inaugural parade route have been designated as the Inaugural Vending Zone. It’s divided into four areas: K Street, Northwest, from 11th to 15th streets; G Street, Northwest, from Seventh to 12th streets; F Street, Northwest, from New Jersey to Massachusetts avenues; and L’Enfant Plaza from the D Street overpass to Independence Avenue, Southwest. Vendors can designate a preferred vending area on the application.

Sites within the inaugural zone will be distributed to vendors through three lotteries; lottery winners will be announced on January 6. The city is working to create an additional 1,000 overflow vending locations for all vendors who receive temporary badges. These locations will be announced in early January.

Currently licensed vendors whose sites fall within the Inaugural Vending Zone may choose to either be relocated outside the zone or enter the lottery for a chance to win a location within the zone. To be fair to vendors who operate here year-round, the first lottery will include only currently licensed vendors.

Here are all the details, including the application and further instructions on how to apply.

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Emily Leaman