Whittier : Council Doubles the Time Vendors Can Stay in Spot

Charles Burt, better known as Burt the Hotdog Man, has prevailed upon the City Council to change Whittier vending regulations. The council Tuesday voted to allow street vendors to stay in one spot for 30 minutes rather than having to move at least 200 feet every 15 minutes. The old rule was hard on him and his customers, Burt told the city.

The council enacted vending rules in April, 1987, in response to complaints from local merchants and because of safety concerns. Since that time, “Burt has gained a lot of supporters,” Assistant City Manager Manny Ocampo said. “The general feeling is that he contributes to the ambience of uptown.” Ocampo added that competing restaurants probably do not share that feeling.