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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sandra Jaquez, President of New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association
6:33:34
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124 sec
Sandra Jaquez, representing the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association, expressed concerns about the current state of street vending in New York City. She emphasized the need for effective enforcement before considering any expansion of street vending permits.
- Jaquez highlighted the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar establishments, including inflation, rising rents, and labor shortages.
- She argued that the current lack of enforcement has led to widespread disorder and disadvantages for compliant businesses.
- The association called for consistent, coordinated, and well-resourced enforcement to create a level playing field for all businesses.
Sandra Jaquez
6:33:34
Hi.
6:33:34
This is Sandra chairman and and members of the committee on consumer worker protection.
6:33:39
Thank you for the opportunity to share comments today on the issue of street vending in New York City.
6:33:44
My name is Sandra Jackquez, and I serve as the president of the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar Knowledge Association.
6:33:50
We we represent Hispanic and minority owned restaurant, bars, and nightlife establishment throughout the five boroughs.
6:33:56
Our members are small business owners, many of whom are immigrants who have been invested who have invested their time, money, and energy into building neighborhood establishment that serve as cultural anchors, economic drivers, and community gathering places.
6:34:09
These businesses operate in compliance with city laws and regulations and continue to persevere despite the significant challenges facing the hospitality industry, including inflation, rising commercial rents, and labor shortages.
6:34:21
We have testimony to express concern about the state of New York City's street vending system.
6:34:27
The current lack of effectiveness enforcement has led to widespread disorder.
6:34:30
The system is failing, and in its current form, it is increasingly disadvantaged to brick and mortar establishment.
6:34:36
What we are seeing today is not a balanced or well regulated system, coalition of vending activities with minimal oversight and inconsistent, consequences.
6:34:47
Before the city considers any expansion of street vending permits, it must first demonstrate that a functional, effective enforcement structure is in place.
6:34:55
That means consistent, coordinated and well resourced enforcement.
6:35:00
It also means acknowledgment that weak enforcement is not mutual.
6:35:03
It has a direct and damaging impact on small businesses owners who are playing by the rules and paying the price.
6:35:10
Raising the vendor cap without first fixing enforcement will not only not resolve the underlying problem, it will not only deep it would only deepen them.
6:35:19
Restaurants and nightlife establishment deserve a label a level playing field in the public realm where rules are applied in fairly and enforced evenly.
6:35:29
Our members are subject to rigorous inspection and must comply with strict health and safety standards, particularly regarding
6:35:36
And preparation.
6:35:37
Thank you.
Rob Martinez
6:35:35
Your time's expired.