NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Bayou Blue’s Gift Shop owner, Batool Ali, has grown frustrated over the years as more illegal street vendors make their way to the French Quarter, selling items similar to hers and resulting in a loss of business revenue.
“They took all of the business. People don’t want to walk up to our store if they are getting all of those things within a few feet,” Ali said.
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Along with downtown business owners, French Quarter residents are also concerned with these vendors, as well.
“Illegal vending pops up right in front of your house, on the neutral ground in front of your house, on the corners a lot of times with BBQ pits and grills and gas. It’s already problematic in the French Quarter with access to first responders getting around corners, so parking is an issue all the time,” French Quarter Citizens President Glade Bilby said.
Councilman Freddie King has been an active opponent against illegal vendors, saying safety is also a serious concern.