Armenian Parliament Approves Modified Bill Regulating Mobile Trade Sector

The National Assembly of Armenia continues its work for the current four-day session that started on January 20. The deputies voted on several drafts for the first and second readings.

In the second reading, the National Assembly adopted the package of amendments and additions to the Law on Trade and Services, presented by Sisak Gabrielyan, a member of the 'My Step' faction. The primary aim of this draft is to regulate the relationships associated with mobile trade points in Yerevan.

As explained by the author of the draft, Sisak Gabrielyan, the current law only defines what a mobile trade point is, but does not specify who will regulate various legal relationships related to these points, particularly what goods they can sell, in which locations, what services they can provide, and during what hours.

The proposal is to grant this authority to the Yerevan City Council, which will be able to approve areas where mobile trading will be allowed, set operating hours, and determine the services offered.

Initially, it was proposed to establish a local fee of 50,000 drams for mobile trade. However, some changes were made during the second reading discussion. With the intervention of Varazdat Karapetyan from the 'My Step' faction, meetings were held with representatives from several organizations engaged in mobile trading, which have formed an NGO.

In response to the economic operators, the law now allows permits to be granted for specific locations by the council's decision for up to three days instead of the previously suggested one day. In these locations, operators will be permitted to refrain from relocating their vehicles used for mobile trade after 11:00 PM.

It has also been stipulated that the mayor can reject a permit only if the standards presented by the operator do not comply with the norms approved by the council, and this permit can be granted or denied within a ten-day period from the time it is presented.

The draft was adopted with 74 votes in favor, 41 against, and 0 abstentions. The LHK faction voted against, arguing that the specifics of mobile trade have not been taken into account, and there is a possibility of creating a monopolistic position for some operators.