Aguas Frescas opens in Las Vegas after obtaining first sidewalk vending business license

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — It’s been a little over a week since Clark County issued its first sidewalk vending business license.

Jose Manuel and his son, Alan Carerra were given the green light to legally operate by Clark County officials on May 29.

“We are very blessed to get this, we don’t think we should be the last ones though, I think everyone that is willing to work should apply for this permit,” said Aguas Frescas co-owner, Alan Carerra.

Now, since officially kicking off operations on Monday, the owners of Aguas Frescas, located at the Circle K gas station on Cactus and Dean Martin say they’ve seen an outpour of support from the community.

“We had a lot of support from the community and family and friends and a lot of new customers that they didn’t even see us on the news, they just saw us driving by so we are very excited,” Carerra added.

Carerra’s father, Jose Manuel Carerra says upfront costs for the sidewalk vending license cost him upwards of $1200 after obtaining liability insurance, a Southern Nevada Health District permit, and both a state and Clark County business license.

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The Carerra’s say after submitting all of their paperwork, it was just a waiting game from there on out.

“As long as you have the right equipment and pass the health inspections you should be good, the longest one was the health permit it took around two weeks you have to get inspected, ” Carerra said.

Since opening up for business on Monday, Carerra says he’s already seen an outpour of support from community members looking to cool off with one of their many flavored aguas frescas.

“It’s really satisfying seeing people enjoy their drinks and thank us for letting them cool off, they need it because of this heat,” Carerra said.

Other than his refreshing, natural fruit-flavored water, Carerra has another way to help keep both his customers and himself cool in the desert heat.

“We have our swamp cooler, a nice shade and just drinking a lot of water as well as staying hydrated. I mean, we are willing to deal with the heat,” Carerra added.

Carerra says despite the heat, he plans to operate his Aguas Frescas cart daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Clark County officials say to date, they have received three applications for sidewalk vending licenses. Two vendors have since been issued licenses, the other is still pending.