First licensed street vendor to operate in North Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If you’ve visited Smiths and 215 near Aliante recently, you’ve likely encountered Robert Margeson.

The newest licensed street vendor in the valley.

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

“You know, it’s great to know I’m doing things the right way,” Margeson said. “You walk around and you see street vendors everywhere, so I know people have to make a living, but I’m doing it the right way.”

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

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

“For North Las Vegas, of course, you have to have your medical card, you have to have your health exam in your cart, you have to get a propane inspection, you have to get zoning done, and you have to have the car approved and apply for a license. The process isn’t actually that difficult, but it can be a little long,” Margeson said.

The licensing fee in North Las Vegas is $150 plus a $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 amount to approximately $1,200.

The cost does not include possible sanitation improvements the Southern Nevada Sanitation 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: One-time fee of $500, annual fee of $376

According to the City of North Las Vegas, Margeson is the only licensed dealer. North Las Vegas has not issued any citations but is conducting complaint-based field investigations 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 sidewalk vendor business license in North Las Vegas.
Currently, all four major municipalities in the valley have their own rules for street vendors, and Clark County was the first to approve the ordinance in April.

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

We asked the county how many citations are currently issued, but they did not answer. However, they said that 38 written warnings were given to us in May.

Meanwhile, the City of Las Vegas and Henderson said they are not issuing any licenses or citations.

“I guess unlicensed vendors are doing what they’re supposed to do. I’m assuming they don’t have health cards, they’re processing food, so it’s frustrating to see them here,” Margeson said. .

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

Channel 13 first introduced you to Gonsales in July. He told us that many vendors don’t pursue licensing because it’s too expensive.

“I’m barely keeping up. I still have bills, rent, fresh produce, and I also have my family,” Gonsales said.

In July, Make The Road Nevada launched a fundraiser to help struggling dealerspay all heavy fees.

“We urge the community to support this campaign because it is an investment in the strength and diversity of our neighborhoods. Together we can help these vendors overcome bureaucratic hurdles and succeed in their businesses, contributing to the vibrant fabric of Nevada’s street life,” he told Make The Road Nevada.

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

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