VIDEO: Sales Right on the Sidewalk Without Sanitary Conditions. Inspections in Yerevan

Enhanced inspections have been carried out in Yerevan to eliminate illegal street trade. This is reported by the Yerevan City Hall. The statement reads: “Fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables are being sold right on the sidewalk without sanitary conditions. There are several permanent addresses for this in Malatia.

To eradicate outdoor illegal trade in Yerevan, the City Hall conducts intensified inspections every day, now in collaboration with police officers. “They temporarily halt sales for a while, but then it resumes. I believe we will see tangible results when there are legislative changes,” notes Hovik Safaryan, head of the Trade and Services Department at Yerevan City Hall.

Anyone wishing to sell food products cannot do so. The law on trade and services states that outdoor trading can only occur with special permission and for specific products like flowers, beverages, and ice cream. Following warnings, citizens engaged in illegal trading have been fined multiple times, yet this has not deterred them. Some even arrive with vehicles, prompting the involvement of towing cars. Afterward, the area is completely cleaned up.

To document violations, police officers assist. The individual's identity is verified on-site, and their details are confirmed and forwarded. In 2021, around 2,200 reports were filed in the trade sector, while 500 were recorded in the first quarter of this year. “First-time offenders are fined 70,000-90,000 drams, and for the second time, 200,000 drams, but the issue isn't the fine; it's that it often cannot be collected because these people are not financially capable,” Hovik Safaryan points out.

When asked how they can earn money for bread, the City Hall responds that trade should be organized in the city’s markets. Prices start at 300-500 drams per square meter. In the newly established market on Kajaaznuni Street, most spots are vacant, and sellers do not complain about space or income.

Street trade is often located next to large and small shops, as these areas have high foot traffic, thereby attracting many customers. However, they remain far from tax obligations. Currently, discussions are underway with traders to open new markets on the condition that there will be no more street trade on the sidewalks.

The fight against outdoor illegal trade will continue until the issue is fully resolved. At the same time, it is understood that the elimination of outdoor illegal trade also depends on citizens: it is important not to purchase potentially hazardous products sold on the streets.