NEW JERSEY – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that allows honorably discharged veterans to sell goods and merchandise in more areas of the state was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Senate Committee.
“Street vending is a valuable entrepreneurial venture that provides numerous economic opportunities for veterans living in New Jersey,” said Stanfield. “Loosening outdated restrictions for licensed street vendors enables them to expand their businesses. This legislation specifically allows certain military veterans to conduct business in areas that would no longer be considered restricted locations.”
Under current New Jersey law, veterans and members of a fire department who have an appropriate county-issued license are restricted from hawking, peddling, and vending goods and merchandise within certain areas of the state.
Senator Stanfield’s bill, S-3553, allows licensed vendors to conduct business at any State-owned or State-leased office building in counties where they are licensed to sell goods. This expansion, however, is only applicable to licensed vendors who are veterans that received an honorable discharge from the military and live in New Jersey.
In addition, the bill clarifies that a licensed vendor would not be permitted on any State-owned or State-leased property if their business interferes with traffic, public safety, existing contracts, or official State business.
“It is not uncommon to find outdated restrictions within our legal codes and regulations that need to be changed,” Stanfield said. “Our bill provides a meaningful way to show support for veteran entrepreneurs throughout New Jersey.”
