More than 600 small businesses have formed a coalition to protest a Los Angeles city proposal that aims to legalize street vending.

Members of the City Council’s economic development committee worked on a proposal for legalization late last year. But the new Coalition to Save Small Business argues that street vendors hurt small business owners and legalizing them would make things worse.

“In our district on a Saturday, there are up to seven mobile vendors in a block,” said Kent Smith, executive director of the Los Angeles Fashion District’s Business Improvement District. “If you add in sidewalk vendors, it’s a recipe for some significant congestion.”

Street vendors also crowd sidewalks, particularly downtown, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street, Smith said. His BID is a member of the new coalition.

Business owners argue that street vendors do not have to follow city regulations or pay for rent, utilities or other services, all of which are paid for by property owners and storefront merchants.

The coalition is now asking community members to reach out to their council members and ask them to vote against street vending. There are an estimated 50,000 street vendors in the city.