Tourists in Palma are facing potential fines of 85 to 600 euros for purchasing goods from unlicensed street vendors. Despite the new regulations implemented on May 26th, many holidaymakers remain unaware of the legal consequences and continue to buy from these illegal traders.
Our sister newspaper, Mallorca Magazin, conducted interviews in Playa de Palma to assess tourists' awareness of the law. The investigation revealed that most visitors are oblivious to the fact that purchasing any items - whether counterfeit branded products, cheap sunglasses, or toys - from unlicensed vendors constitutes an offence. Vendors themselves face steeper penalties of 750 to 1,500 euros if caught, though they've developed a knack for vanishing at the first sight of law enforcement.
The beach promenade has become a marketplace where vendors approach tourists with various offerings. "Look, almost genuine Rolex!" calls out one seller, while others peddle sunglasses and wedding rings to passing holidaymakers. Marie Herzberger from Vienna admits: "We don't usually buy from street vendors, but yesterday we were a bit tipsy and bought sunglasses."
Tourist reactions and awareness
Four young German tourists from North Rhine-Westphalia displayed their purchases - a plush pig, adhesive rubber finger, and sunglasses - while dining at a beachfront restaurant. When questioned about vaping devices, Tobias B. mistakenly believed these weren't covered by the regulations. "I didn't know that was illegal," he confessed.
The situation has become increasingly problematic for both tourists and legitimate businesses. Rudi Richtig, a visitor from Koblenz, expressed frustration: "The vendors have approached us at least 20 times today." Meanwhile, some tourists like Julia Kraus and Celina Zimmermann from Franconia are well-informed about the fines and actively avoid purchasing from street vendors.