TEATT is encouraging compliance with street vending requirements.
PHILIPSBURG--The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) is preparing an inventory and registration exercise to get an updated overview of street vending activities across St. Maarten, as the government continues to monitor compliance with street vending requirements.
The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) said the exercise will help the Inspectorate better understand the current vending landscape and support future regulatory and operational planning.
The inventory comes as the Inspectorate reports continued growth and diversification in street vending activities across various districts and identifies cases where vendors are operating without required permits or conducting activities beyond the scope of their authorisation.
Street vending forms an important part of St. Maarten's economy, with licenced vendors contributing to entrepreneurship, supporting local economic activity and providing residents and visitors with products, services, food, beverages and locally made goods.
The Ministry said it recognises the contribution of lawful street vendors and remains committed to creating an environment in which legitimate businesses can operate fairly and responsibly.
The Inspectorate said that while many vendors operate responsibly, it has identified instances where commercial activities are being conducted without the required permits or where activities extend beyond the scope of the authorisation granted.
The Inspectorate is reminding vendors that registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry does not by itself authorise a person to operate as a street vendor in a public place.
Under the Landsverordening regelende de openbare straathandel, anyone wishing to conduct street vending in public spaces must first obtain a valid vending permit issued by the Minister of TEATT through the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL).
Depending on the nature of the business activity, additional permits, licences or approvals may also be required under other applicable legislation.
Recent observations by the Inspectorate indicate that some people are conducting street vending activities without a valid vending permit.
The Inspectorate has also found some licenced vendors undertaking activities that fall outside the scope of their approved permit.
Certain commercial activities may require additional approvals from the competent authorities before they can lawfully be carried out.
Unlicensed vending activity also continues to be observed during evenings, weekends and other periods outside normal operational hours.
The Ministry said the legal requirements are intended to promote fair competition, protect consumers, safeguard public health and safety and ensure the orderly use of public spaces.
Compliance with the legal framework also helps create a level playing field for vendors who have taken the necessary steps to obtain the required approvals.
The Ministry said it continues to engage with relevant stakeholders regarding vending activities and the effective application of the existing legal framework.
The Inspectorate is encouraging all persons engaged in street vending to verify that they have
the necessary permits and approvals applicable to their activities.
Individuals who are uncertain about the licencing requirements are encouraged to contact the Department of Economic Licenses for further information before commencing or expanding their operations.
The Inspectorate said it will continue to carry out its supervisory and enforcement responsibilities in accordance with the applicable legislation.
The Ministry said it remains committed to supporting lawful entrepreneurship while ensuring that commercial activities are conducted in a fair, safe and orderly manner for the benefit of vendors, consumers, businesses and the wider community.
