Want a night market in your neighborhood? This new bill could make it easier to start one

Standing at the future site of San Francisco’s Sunset Night Market, California Assemblymember Matthew Haney on Monday announced AB 441, a new bill he plans to introduce that’s intended to remove barriers and make it easier for California cities and neighborhoods to host everything from farmers markets and flea markets to night markets that take inspiration from the open-air food gatherings that are popular across Asia. “Not only is it a great idea for the community and the businesses surrounding it, but also for the people living here and across the entire city of San Francisco.” San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio was inspired to seek state legislation following annual trips to Taipei with his husband, where the two would frequently visit night markets. Jenn Laurent, who organizes the Black Women Vend Night Market at Leimert Park, says it will take more than an extended permit to encourage new night markets and farmers markets to enter the scene. In researching the proposed legislation, Haney’s office concluded that Los Angeles lawmakers have interpreted the current statutes relating to temporary food facilities differently than the rest of the state, and they do not require night market and farmer’s market organizers to re-apply for a permit with the city’s Health Department every 90 days.