Tourists in Spain face fines for buying counterfeit goods from street stalls
Portable stalls selling counterfeit handbags or sunglasses from well-known brands are typical in Europe's most popular cities and seaside resorts. The police have been combating them for years, but rather unsuccessfully. They have decided to try a different approach in Spain—tourists will face hefty fines for purchasing from such stalls.
Spain has taken the negative aspects of tourism seriously, which detrimentally impact its image. It is combating over-the-top partygoers in the Balearic Islands, the excessive number of tourists in the Canary Islands, and illegal trade, mainly counterfeit designer accessories.
Fine for shopping at an illegal stall
Illegal vendors are an issue in cities like Barcelona and Malaga, as well as most holiday resorts. They usually set up on promenades or near beaches, displaying their merchandise on sheets or blankets that can be quickly packed up to flee the police.
Officers have been fighting the plague of illegal trade without success for years. On the Costa Blanca coast, they have decided to take their fight one step further.
New regulations have been introduced—shopping at such stalls can result in a fine of up to £170. This measure aims to deter tourists from spending money with illegal vendors, making it unprofitable for them to continue operating.
The police will patrol resorts on the Costa Blanca in civilian clothes throughout the summer.
Will the regulations be introduced across Spain?
This news has been very well received among Spaniards, so it is possible that, over time, the regulations will cover the whole country. Authorities in resorts on the Costa del Sol have already intended to introduce these measures.
Illegal stalls mainly sell handbags, sunglasses, and souvenirs. "The Mail" reports that local sellers lose about 20-30 percent of their profits due to illegal trade.
