HOLLYWOOD, CA — Sidewalk vendors may soon be allowed to operate on Hollywood Boulevard and near the Hollywood Bowl as part of an effort to dismantle what once city councilman has called a racist ban on the sale of food in the busy tourist area.

Four councilmembers on Friday introduced a motion that seeks to establish a first-of-its-kind “special Vending zone” for Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Bowl and the surrounding area.

Over the last decade, lawmakers across the state have worked to create a legal framework for street vending, which previously had been criminalized or conducted in a legal gray area. As part of that effort, Los Angeles established a permitting process, as well as a ban on vending in certain areas — including the area around the Walk of Fame and Hollywood and Highland.

“For years, a No-Street-Vending Zone on Hollywood Boulevard has targeted immigrant entrepreneurs who are just trying to provide for their families,” Councilman Hugo Soto-Martínez wrote in his Saturday newsletter. “Yesterday, we took the first step toward dismantling this racist policy on Hollywood Boulevard.”

The motion, introduced by councilmembers Soto-Martínez, Paul Krekorian, Curren Price and Nithya Raman, seeks to create a special framework for vending in the Central Hollywood area, one that the lawmakers hope could help create similar zones around the city.

The motion needs to make its way through council subcommittees before being considered by the full council. If approved, it would instruct city staffers to work with street vendors and their advocates to create the pilot “special vending zone” for the Hollywood area.