Street sales of pirated goods to be regulated in some coastal towns

“Top manta” vendors, as the unregulated street-sellers of pirated CDs, clothes, sun glasses and bags are often referred to in Spain, are negotiating with the town councils of el Vendrell and Calafell in efforts to regulate their activity in these coastal locations.
The mayors want the “top manta” to move to less prominent locations, and to pay a local tax to legalise their activities. The decision has caused concern among the opposition politicians and some local businesses. They complain that “top manta” vendors sell fake products at lower prices than conventional shops can afford. However, the councils argue that regulation is needed to avoid further confrontation between these groups.

“Top manta” vendors are usually young and of sub-Saharan or Moroccan origin. They sell their products in the streets, on big blankets, which they move as soon as they see the police coming. They operate in most cities in Catalonia and Spain. Regulating these people is one of the greatest challenges to the police and local authorities in the country. The difficulties they pose for local businesses by operating outside of the law and selling counterfeit goods makes it particularly challenging for authorities to impact their operations effectively.