Small businesses call for a ban on street vendors

THE Balearic Small Retailer Federation, Afedeco, voiced anger yesterday over the increasing numbers of wandering vendors in Palma who peddle their wares in streets such as Calle Sant Miquel and Jaume II in prime shopping time.

Afedeco said that it had made an official complaint over the situation to Palma City Council and to the Central Government Delegation. The federation wants action taken because the itinerant traders are doing business right in front of the shop windows of legitimate businesses who pay taxes.

Afedeco acknowledged that some weeks ago, Local Police had cracked down on the street vendors, arresting some of them and confiscating some goods which were illegal replicas of top brand names.

Federation President, Bartomeu Servera said that vigilance against the vendors needs to be kept up because they are apparently “up to their old tricks” again and their presence is causing tension amongst shopkeepers.