How much does it cost for a vendor space on the Venice Boardwalk?

Reader Issac asks:

Question:

I was wondering how much it costs for vendor space on the Venice Boardwalk?

Answer:

It is free! Vending on the Venice Beach Boardwalk is a free activity, but there are several restrictions on where and what can be sold. It is a complicated and somewhat political situation, but as of this moment, here’s the scoop:

1. Vending must take place in the designated spaces along the “west” side of the boardwalk.
2. Each space is marked with an “I” or a “P” designating what type of zone it is. “I” zones are for vending certain types of goods and “P” zones are designated for performers. There are approximately 100 “I” Zones and 105 “P” Zones.
3. Spaces are available on a “first come first served” basis. You man NOT occupy any space prior to 9 a.m. Vendors often show up as early as 2 a.m. to wait for a specific space. You may NOT be in the park area prior to 5 a.m. Most vendors wait along the alley streets, and then move onto the grass by the space they wish to occupy at 5 a.m. so they can then move into the space they want at 9 a.m.
4. You may NOT set a price for an item UNLESS it is a pamphlet that you have written, music that you have written and performed, or other free speech related materials that are of your own creations.
5. You may offer other NON-COMMERCIALLY MADE goods for a donation ONLY. Although some vendors try to get away with setting prices, technically you are not allowed to set a price for an item. You can say, ” The last person donated $20 “, but the purchaser may offer ANY amount and technically you must exchange the item for the amount offered in donation. Yep, you read that right.

These rules are in place because many merchants pay very steep rent, taxes and employee costs to maintain businesses on the boardwalk. The purpose of vending is not to undercut these tax paying merchants, but to offer artistic hand-made goods, performances and free speech related materials to the public in a manner that is not considered retail competition for area stores.

There are many other details and specifics that are accessible from the links below, but the above list generally go over the main points.

For more information on the vending rules and ordinances click here! And for the specific ordinance for the park and all vending, click here!

These policies may change to a certain extent in the next few weeks so check the above links for updates!