Inside New York's quest to beat halalflation

Tackling the challenges faced by street vendors in New York City, particularly those selling halal food and other popular items like pretzels and smoothies, is a complex issue that requires multifaceted solutions. Here are some key points distilled from the article:

1. Economic Challenges:

   • Vendors face high overhead costs, including permit fees which can range from $200 for a two-year sales permit to tens of thousands of dollars for second-hand permits.
   • Rising operational expenses such as food and utilities make it difficult to maintain profit margins.

2. Tourism Decline:

   • The decrease in tourism due to the pandemic has significantly impacted vendors who rely on steady foot traffic, especially around tourist attractions like the Museum of Natural History.

3. Corporate Work-from-Home Policies:

   • Many office workers have shifted to remote work or hybrid schedules, reducing demand for street food in corporate areas.

4. Permit Shortage and Costs:

   • There is a cap on permits set since 1979, limiting the number of available licenses to just 6,880.
   • The cost of obtaining and maintaining these permits has skyrocketed, making it financially

Read the full article at Business Insider

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