(Washington, DC) - The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has received thousands of phone calls and emails from those interesting in vending during the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2009.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is working closely with city, regional and federal officials – including the Presidential Inaugural Committee – to finalize rules for street vending on this important day.

We expect to finalize the requirements and will post the 2009 Inauguration Day Street Vending Application on dcra.dc.gov on December 12, 2008.

All vendors who have signed up to receive email alerts for the Inauguration will receive a message when the application package has been posted. If you have not signed up, send an email to dcracommunications@dc.gov with “Inauguration” in the subject line to receive the alerts.

Based on preliminary numbers, we expect to issue approximately 500 temporary vending licenses for the event. These numbers could change after a review by security officials.

Once applications are processed and reviewed, the sites will be distributed on January 6, 2009 through a computerized lottery system conducted by an independent contractor. Names of those selected in the lottery will be posted to dcra.dc.gov that day.

Vendors will be required to pick-up the license in person, complete the registration and pay all applicable fees between January 7, 2009 and January 14, 2009 at DCRA, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20002. If you are an out-of-town vendor, please plan accordingly.

These licenses will be valid January 20, 2009 only.

While you still have to wait for a few more days to submit your application, here are some things you can do now:

• The FBI will conduct a background investigation of all applicants. You must also obtain a certified State Police Criminal History Report for the jurisdiction in which you reside. You can obtain this report through your local law enforcement authorities. You will be required to submit this form as part of your application.
• Each vendor will be permitted to have up to two additional employees. These employees must also obtain a certified State Police Criminal History Report for the jurisdiction in which they reside.
• All vendors planning to sell food during the event must have a Certified Food Manager Certificate from the jurisdiction in which they reside. You will be required to submit this with your application.

The District government can not issue any license or permit if the applicant owes more than $100.00 in outstanding debt to the District of Columbia. You will be required to verify that you meet this requirement as part of the application. Please review your records and plan accordingly.
 
We thank you for your patience. Again, please send an email to dcracommunications@dc.gov with “Inauguration” in the subject line to receive the alerts.