Spanish police crack down on illegal street vending on Barcelona beaches
Every day, Barcelona’s beaches see roughly 70 police officers patrolling to combat unlicensed street vending, a persistent issue during the busy tourist season. Vendors sell drinks like mojitos without proper permits, often operating in coordinated groups. To catch offenders, some officers work undercover, blending into the crowds until the time comes to act.
Resourceful tactics of street vendors
Street vendors rely on creative methods to sustain their trade. Many reuse materials such as trays, cups, bottles, and even mint leaves, minimizing costs while maximizing profits. Bottles are often refilled and reused, making it more challenging for authorities to track and stop these operations. Despite the risks, this practice continues, driven by financial hardship.
Fines and enforcement
When caught, vendors are issued fines of 360 euros, which can be reduced to 180 euros if paid within 20 days. Yet, even repeated fines haven't deterred some vendors from returning to the beaches. One vendor admitted to being fined three times but explained the necessity of continuing to work, earning around 200 euros per week selling drinks like mojitos.
Police efforts and public impact
Officers take a thorough approach, even searching trash bins for concealed drinks. The operation underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining cleanliness and order on public beaches, while also managing the complexities of economic hardship that lead individuals to informal vending.
This initiative highlights the balance between enforcing local laws and acknowledging the socio-economic realities faced by those involved in illegal street vending.
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