In the wake of a violent brawl between hot dog vendors last month, San Diego police are now stepping up enforcement against sidewalk vendors operating in the Gaslamp. While vendors have been technically banned there for months, authorities are now beginning to hand out hefty fines. Although police say this will increase safety, not all San Diegans are in favor of this crackdown. Beginning Friday night, those citations will run $200 for a first offense, escalating up to $1,000 for repeat offenders. This crackdown comes after weeks of outreach, education and warning to sidewalk vendors by police here. "Tonight, there are no more warnings: it will be citations," said San Diego Police Lt. Arturo Swadener. This sweep comes after San Diego City Council in May specifically banned sidewalk vendors in the Gaslamp, East Village and parts of Little Italy. Police said they want to reduce potentially violent situations when a large number of people gather around a small cart. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/police-start-cracking-down-on-sidewalk-vendors-gaslamp-quarter/509-9f168bab-caff-4df7-b19a-c57e9c23cebb