Road side vendors get fined

IT is a common sight in Spain to see people selling fruit and vegetables off the side of the road. However, this is illegal and when caught by the police they get fined.

“If they are able to produce a purchase receipt for the products then they keep them but have to move away,” a local police officer told EWN while waiting for a man selling oranges and potatoes on the side of the road by the motorway in Arroyo de la Miel to produce the required paperwork.

“If they do not then we seize the products,” he added.

By selling produce on the side of the roads many of these vendors escape paying taxes.

“I work hard and pay my taxes, so do not think it is fair if they get away with not paying theirs,” said resident Michelle Warden. Janet Holden has a slightly different view:

“While I do think they should pay taxes, to do so they would have to go on the social security system and pay hundreds for the pleasure of working, but they probably do not make that much to begin with.

At least they are trying to earn a living.”

By Nicole Hallett