LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If you’ve visited The Smiths near Aliante and 215 recently, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Robert Margeson.

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

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

He spent about $7,000 to obtain all the necessary permits and bring his cart up to health district standards.

“For North Las Vegas, you obviously have to have your health card, your health inspection on your 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 permit. The process is not really difficult, but can be a little lengthy,” 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 are approximately $1,200.

The cost does not include any sanitation improvements required by the Southern Nevada Health District for the food 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 approved vendor. North Las Vegas has not issued any citations, but is conducting complaint-based site inspections 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, the Valley’s four major municipalities have their own rules regarding street vendors, with Clark County being the first to approve its ordinance in April.

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

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

Meanwhile, the city of Las Vegas and Henderson said they have not handed out any licenses or citations.

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

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

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

“I’m barely getting by. I still have the bills, the rent, the produce, and I also have my family,” Gonsales said.

In July, Make The Road Nevada launched a fundraiser to help struggling sellerspay all the high fees.

“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 sellers overcome bureaucratic hurdles and thrive in their businesses, contributing to the vibrancy of Nevada’s urban life,” said Make The Road Nevada.

In the meantime, Margeson hopes to become a full-time salesman and set up a stand in the valley’s four main municipalities.

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