Atlanta street vendors to protest city's policy

ATLANTA - Some of Atlanta's street vendors are planning to protest a new ordinance regulating their business.

A rally and protest is set for 12:30 p.m. at City Hall.

In March, Atlanta police told vendors they were violating an ordinance that prohibits the obstruction of city sidewalks through the sale or display of goods.

The previous administration required vendors to contract with a single company to sell items in public spaces, but a Fulton County Superior Court judge in December 2012 struck down that policy, leaving the city with no ordinance under which to issue permits.

Police started enforcing the prohibition on public vending in late March, shortly before the NCAA Final Four tournament was held at the Georgia Dome.