St. Petersburg’s Committee for Control over Property has conducted a raid targeting illegal trading activities on Nevsky Prospekt, resulting in the seizure of goods from entrepreneurs selling flowers and souvenirs. The operation, detailed on the department’s Telegram channel on June 4, follows a period of monitoring and analysis of trading activity on the thoroughfare.

The authorities focused on vendors operating under the guise of “hawking” trade, identifying consistent concentration points of these violators. Officials determined that these entrepreneurs, who regularly occupy the same locations and utilize carts as permanent fixtures, are in fact operating unauthorized non-stationary trading facilities.

The city views these activities as illegal occupation of city land without proper permits. Consequently, carts and merchandise were confiscated, protocols were issued to the traders, and they were directed to cease trading at those locations.

This action comes amid growing concerns regarding unregulated hawking trade in central St. Petersburg, particularly on Nevsky Prospekt and other prominent streets. There are considerations for a broader ban on hawking near sensitive areas such as metro stations, public transport stops, healthcare facilities, and cultural and sports venues, citing security reasons.