GREAT BAY--The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) has raised concerns over recurring non-compliance in St. Maarten’s expanding street vending sector, including vendors operating without permits, licensed vendors exceeding the scope of their approvals, and commercial activities taking place without all required authorizations.
The Ministry said the concerns were identified through ongoing monitoring of street vending activity across several districts, where the Inspectorate has observed continued growth and diversification in the sector. While many vendors are operating responsibly, authorities say violations of the existing legal framework continue to be identified.
Recent observations by the Inspectorate point to four main areas of concern:
- Some persons are conducting street vending activities without a valid vending permit.
- Some licensed vendors are carrying out activities that fall outside the scope of their approved permit.
- Certain commercial activities may require additional approvals from the relevant authorities before they can legally be carried out.
- Unlicensed vending continues to be observed during evenings, weekends and other periods outside normal operational hours.
The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) is therefore reminding vendors that registration with the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry does not, by itself, authorize a person to operate as a street vendor in a public space.
Under the Landsverordening regelende de openbare straathandel, anyone wishing to conduct street vending in a public area must first obtain a valid vending permit from the Minister of TEATT through the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL). Depending on the type of business activity, additional permits, licences or approvals may also be required.
The Inspectorate said street vending has continued to grow and diversify across several districts. While many vendors operate responsibly and within the law, instances of unlicensed vending and activities outside the scope of approved permits remain a concern.
TEATT stressed that street vending remains an important part of the local economy. Licensed vendors contribute to entrepreneurship, local economic activity and the range of products, services, food, beverages and locally produced goods available to residents and visitors.
The Ministry said the legal requirements governing vending are intended to promote fair competition, protect consumers, safeguard public health and safety and ensure the orderly use of public spaces. Compliance also helps create a level playing field for vendors who have completed the required licensing procedures.
As part of its ongoing work, the Inspectorate is preparing an inventory and registration exercise to develop an updated overview of street vending activity throughout St. Maarten. The information will assist TEATT in evaluating the current vending landscape and planning future regulatory and operational measures.
The Ministry is also continuing discussions with relevant stakeholders on vending activities and the application of the existing legal framework.
Persons currently engaged in street vending are encouraged to confirm that they possess all permits and approvals required for their activities. Anyone uncertain about the applicable licensing requirements should contact the Department of Economic Licenses before starting or expanding a vending operation.
The Inspectorate said it will continue carrying out its supervisory and enforcement responsibilities in accordance with the law, while TEATT remains committed to supporting lawful entrepreneurship and ensuring that commercial activity is conducted in a fair, safe and orderly manner.
