CAIR-NY Welcomes Passage of Bill Decriminalizing Street Vending in New York City
(NEW YORK, NY, 7/8/25) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the New York City Council’s passage of Intro 47, which removes criminal misdemeanor penalties and reduces criminal liability for street vendors across the city.
SEE: Instagram Post
SEE: Street Vendors Celebrate Bill to Reduce Criminal Liability
The bill passed with a veto-proof majority of 40 votes and marks a critical step toward justice for thousands of vendors — many of whom are immigrants, Muslims, and members of other marginalized communities — who face criminalization for simply trying to earn a living.
With Intro 47’s passing, all misdemeanor penalties for both food and general workers are removed, criminal misdemeanor penalties are reduced to civil penalties for any time, place, or manner violation, and criminal misdemeanor penalties are further reduced to criminal violation and fine or civil penalty for any unlicensed or unpermitted vending.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Community Program Organizer Maryam Shuaib said:
“For far too long, street vendors have taken the fall for a dysfunctional system that lacks accountability. From unrealistic permit caps to unnecessary interactions with law enforcement, our smallest business owners put everything on the line to make ends meet. Intro 47 puts an end to this unsustainable dynamic. The City Council’s support of Intro 47 is one critical step toward honoring the rights of New York City’s most vulnerable business owners. We celebrate this victory, and we are determined to continue our work in passing the full Street Vending Reform Package.”
She urged elected leaders to continue advancing the full Street Vendor Reform Package, further protecting and empowering vendor communities across the city. CAIR-NY expresses gratitude to Council Members Shekar Krishnan, Amanda Farías, Carmen De La Rosa, Pierina Sanchez, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for championing this legislation and standing in solidarity with vendors.
CAIR-NY has previously emphasized the need for a more inclusive economy and reform to protect street vendors’ rights, as they are a member of the Street Vendor Justice Coalition.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT:
Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006
CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com