Judge Strikes Down Rules For Venice Beach Vendors
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge has struck down city regulations governing who gets to sing and sell along crowded Venice Beach in Los Angeles.
U.S. District Judge Dean Pragerson ruled last week that the city's weekly lottery system for distributing permits to boardwalk vendors and performers during the summer season violates the first amendment.
Pragerson issued a temporary injunction, saying the city should issue permits on a first-come-first-served basis.
The judge also struck down a rule barring amplified sound and musical instruments between 9 a.m. and sunset in certain areas.
The city's 2008 ordinance, which was revised last year, was contested by 13 performers.
Local residents and businesses have asked for more regulations of the freewheeling boardwalk.
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