Tuesday, August 27, 2024 The UK tourists heading to Spain this summer should be aware of a new crackdown. The initiative, launched in popular tourist hotspots like Costa Blanca aims to curb the growing problem of illegal street selling. It could leave them facing fines of up to £170 if caught purchasing goods from unlicensed street vendors.
Increased Police Presence to Enforce Fines According to the Spanish government and local authorities, undercover police officers will be deployed throughout Costa Blanca during the peak summer holiday season . These plain-clothed officers will monitor and fine tourists who purchase items from unlicensed vendors, known locally as “manteros” or “top mantas,”. They typically display their goods on blankets spread out on the streets.
The fines can reach up to €200, equivalent to £170. The Guardia Civil, Spain’s national police force, has already begun rigorous enforcement of these new regulations. Recently, they confiscated several tonnes of counterfeit products from a warehouse in Alicante, which were intended for illegal street sellers.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect legitimate businesses and maintain order in popular tourist destinations. Local Government Support for the Crackdown The mayor of Torrevieja, a bustling city on the Costa Blanca, has publicly called for an increased police presence this summer to ensure the enforcement of these regulations. Torrevieja, which sees its population swell to around.