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

It is the newest licensed street vendor in the valley.

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

“It’s great, you know, to know that they’re doing things the right way,” Margeson said. “You drive around and you see street vendors everywhere, so I know people have to make a living, but they 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, obviously you have to have the health card, health inspection on the cart, you have to have a propane inspection and you have to get zoning and the cart has to be approved and apply for your license. The process is not that difficult, but it can be a little long,” Margeson said.

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

The cost does not include possible sanitation improvements that the Southern Nevada Health District is requesting 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

According to the city of North Las Vegas, Margeson is the only licensed vendor. North Las Vegas has not issued any citations, but is conducting on-site inspections based on complaints with the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the North Las Vegas Police Department. The city also provides vendors with information on how to obtain a North Las Vegas Sidewalk Vendor Business License.
Currently, all four major valley municipalities have their own rules for street vendors, with Clark County being the first to pass its ordinance in April.

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

I asked the county how many citations they have issued now, but they did not respond. However, in May they told us 38 written warnings had been issued.

Meanwhile, the city of Las Vegas and Henderson said it has not issued any licenses or citations.

“Unlicensed vendors, I think they’re doing what they have to do. I guess they don’t have a health card, you know, they handle the food, so it’s frustrating to see them here,” Margeson said. .

“I don’t make enough to pay for all the necessary licenses,” said Vertin Gonsales, a full-time vendor in North Las Vegas.

Channel 13 will premiere Gonsales in July. He told us that many sellers do not seek a license because it is too expensive.

“I’m barely making it. I still have bills, rent, fresh produce and I have my family,” Gonsales said.

In July, Make The Road Nevada launched a fundraiser to help struggling vendorspay all high taxes.

“We urge the community to support this campaign as it is an investment in the strength and diversity of our neighborhoods. Together, we can help these providers overcome bureaucratic hurdles and thrive in their businesses, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of street life in Nevada,” said Make The Road Nevada.

Meanwhile, Margeson hopes to become a full-time vendor and set up a stand in all four major municipalities in the valley.

“The freedom to work the hours you want to work, to take time off when you want to take time off.