Fayetteville eyes ban on roadside vendors

Councilman Charles Evans said there are too many street merchants in Fayetteville.

"It's pretty much an eyesore to the city," Evans said. "What we're trying to do as a city is to clean up certain intersections, certain areas of the town."

Moe Ali, who sells rugs along Skibo Road, called the proposed ban unfair. He moved to the U.S. from Israel nine years ago, following other family members who likewise sell rugs in various American cities.

"They say they want to ban the (vendor's) license. For me, it's like destroying my dream," Ali said. "I have people come all over from different cities just to see our rugs and look at it."

Evans said non-profits also should also not be allowed to sell at major intersections.

"On every street corner, on every major intersection that we have in the city of Fayetteville, that should not take place, he said.

The City Council was expected to discuss the proposal at its Monday meeting.