(Washington, DC) - The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs today released details for street vending opportunities during the 2009 Inauguration on January 20, 2009 and will begin accepting applications immediately.
All parties interested in vending in the District of Columbia on January 20, 2009 must either be currently licensed by the District of Columbia or apply to receive a Temporary 2009 Inaugural Vending Badge which will serve as their license for the event.
The Temporary 2009 Inaugural Vending Badge will only be valid on January 20, 2009 and only in designated areas established throughout the city. Only currently licensed District vendors are authorized to vend in the District of Columbia on any other dates.
The District of Columbia has designated more than 700 sites near to the parade route as the special Inaugural Vending Zone. These sites will be distributed through three lotteries. The winners of these lotteries will be announced on January 6, 2009.
The District of Columbia is in the process of establishing more than 1,000 overflow vending locations across the city for all parties who receive a Temporary 2009 Inaugural Vending Badge. These overflow vending locations will be announced in early January and located near the city's major transportation hubs.
Currently licensed vendors who normally operate at sites outside the Inaugural Vending Zone can conduct business as normal with their current vending license and do need to obtain any additional licensure or permits.
Currently licensed DC vendors displaced as a result of security measures for Inauguration Day have the choice of being relocated to a site outside the Inaugural Vending Zone or to participate in the displaced vendor lottery for first choice of locations inside the Inaugural Vending Zone. Vendors who choose not to enter into the lottery will be relocated at no additional charge to closest possible location outside of the Inaugural Vending Zone.
Applications must be delivered in person or postmarked by December 30, 2008 along with all applicable fees and supporting documentation.
Vendors who are currently licensed to sell items in the District have until January 5 to submit application materials in person.