(a) Except as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a person shall not vend from a sidewalk, roadway, or other public space unless the person holds:
(1) A basic business license properly endorsed as provided in subsection (c) of this section;
(2) A vending site permit, or other authorization issued by the Mayor, setting forth the specific location on public space from which the person may vend; and
(3) Such other licenses, permits, and authorizations that the Mayor may require by rule.
(b) The Mayor may authorize the following persons to vend from public space without a basic business license or vending site permit:
(1) An employee or youth assistant of a licensed vendor;
(2) A person vending at a licensed special event;
(3) A person vending at a public market that has been issued a valid permit by the Mayor; and
(4) A person or entity authorized to vend from public space without a license pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.
(c)
(1) An endorsement to vend food pursuant to this chapter shall be issued as a Food Establishments: Retail endorsement to a basic business license under the basic business license system as set forth in subchapter I-A of Chapter 28 of Title 47 [§ 47-2851.01 et seq.].
(2) An endorsement to vend merchandise or engage in street photography pursuant to this chapter shall be issued as a General Sales endorsement to a basic business license under the basic business license system as set forth in subchapter I-A of Chapter 28 of Title 47 [§ 47-2851.01 et seq.].
(d) The Mayor may establish by regulation exemptions from the licensure requirement for a person, entity, or categories of persons or entities to vend from public space without a basic business license when the public interest would be served by establishing such an exemption.