Abu Dhabi targets hawkers who display commodities in pickups

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Abu Dhabi targets hawkers who display commodities in pickups

The move underlines the need to protect consumers against the risks of materials sold by street hawkers and peddlers or in makeshift markets unlicensed by the competent bodies.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Mon 15 Jun 2015, 12:03 AM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jul 2015, 3:09 PM

Abu Dhabi - The Abu Dhabi City Municipality has organised a campaign to curb unlicensed street vendors in Al Falah area which falls within the purview of Al Shahma Municipal Centre.

The step is part of ongoing effort of the municipal system in Abu Dhabi aimed at maintaining the civilised appearance of the city. It also echoes the keenness of the municipality to maintain the health and safety of community members by ensuring the highest environmental and health standards related to trading in commodities. “It also underlines the need to protect consumers against the risks of materials sold by street hawkers and peddlers or in makeshift markets unlicensed by the competent bodies,” the municipality said in a statement.

The campaign targeted vendors who use pickups to display commodities “falling short of the required health stipulations applicable in Abu Dhabi”, as well as vendors who use open sandy areas as a place to market their goods. Examples of goods offered for sale spotted by the municipality included palm seedlings, vegetables and other goods.

During the campaign, the officers served more than 10 warnings and violation notices to vendors who were caught red-handed on roads and open areas. They were counselled on the legal and health aspects related to practising unlicensed commercial activities, and were acquainted with their adverse impact on the health and safety of the community. They were also educated about the importance of complying with the laws and regulations governing such professions and activities, and urged to cooperate with the municipality in protecting the “civilised appearance of our cities”.

According to the municipality, the campaign was successful. “Therefore, organisers and strategic partners intend to carry out such campaigns regularly to root out outlawed trading activities and prevent the recurrence of such practices in Al Falah and other areas.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi (DED-Abu Dhabi) carried out 57,000 inspections of commercial activities in the emirate during the first four months of 2015 and recorded 1,529 violations.

Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre — which is part of DED-Abu Dhabi — said the department set the annual plan for 2015 with a focus on consumer protection and fighting the practice of street vending, “which constitutes a threat to local businesses”.

haseeb@khaleejtimes.com


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