Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), through the Inspectorate of Economic & Transport Affairs (IETA), wishes to remind the public of the legal requirements governing street vending in Sint Maarten and to encourage all vendors to ensure that their activities comply with the applicable legislation.
Street vending forms an important part of Sint Maarten’s economy. Licensed street vendors contribute to entrepreneurship, support local economic activity, and provide residents and visitors with a diverse range of products, services, food, beverages, and locally made goods. The Ministry recognizes the valuable contribution that lawful street vendors make to the country’s commercial landscape and remains committed to fostering an environment in which legitimate businesses can operate fairly and responsibly.
As part of its ongoing supervisory responsibilities, the Inspectorate has observed continued growth and diversification in street vending activities across various districts. While many vendors operate responsibly, the Inspectorate has also identified instances where commercial activities are being conducted without the required permits or where activities extend beyond the scope of the authorization that has been granted.
The Inspectorate wishes to clarify that registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry does not by itself authorize a person to operate as a street vendor in a public place.
Under the Landsverordening regelende de openbare straathandel, any person wishing to conduct street vending in public spaces must first obtain a valid vending permit issued by the Minister of TEATT through the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL). Depending on the nature of the business activity, additional permits, licences, or approvals may also be required under other applicable legislation.
Recent observations by the Inspectorate indicate that:
- Some persons are conducting street vending activities without a valid vending permit.
- Some licensed vendors are undertaking activities that fall outside the scope of their approved permit.
- Certain commercial activities may require additional approvals from the competent authorities before they may lawfully be carried out.
- Unlicensed vending activity continues to be observed during evenings, weekends, and other periods outside normal operational hours.
The Ministry emphasizes that these legal requirements exist to promote fair competition, protect consumers, safeguard public health and safety, and ensure the orderly use of public spaces. Compliance with the applicable legal framework also helps create a level playing field for vendors who have taken the necessary steps to obtain the required approvals.
The Inspectorate is currently preparing an inventory and registration exercise to obtain an updated overview of street vending activities throughout Sint Maarten. This initiative will assist the Ministry in better understanding the current vending landscape and support future regulatory and operational planning.
The Ministry also continues to engage with relevant stakeholders regarding vending activities and the effective application of the existing legal framework.
The Inspectorate encourages all persons engaged in street vending to verify that they possess the necessary permits and approvals applicable to their activities. Individuals who are uncertain about the licensing requirements should contact the Department of Economic Licenses for further information before commencing or expanding their operations.
The Inspectorate will continue to carry out its supervisory and enforcement responsibilities in accordance with the applicable legislation. The Ministry remains committed to supporting lawful entrepreneurship while ensuring that commercial activities are conducted in a fair, safe, and orderly manner for the benefit of vendors, consumers, businesses, and the wider community.
