Prague Wants to Allow Retailers to Sell From Sidewalks

Prague City Hall intends to allow retailers to display and sell their products, directly from sidewalks immediately outside of their shop fronts free of charge, Blesk.cz reported. 

Retailers will have to maintain a safe passage on the sidewalk and keep the area clean. Shop owners will now just need to send an application to City Hall, for approval.

Restaurants with gardens would not be affected by the measure, said Julie Kochová, council spokesperson and member of PrahaSobe, that currently runs Prague council in alliance with The Pirates and United Forces for Prague (TOP 09 and STAN).

“In a collapsing economy, we have to look for the best ways to stimulate demand, protect businesses from crashing and employees from layoffs,” said Praha sobě leader Jan Čižinský.

City Councilor Jan Chabr (TOP 09) said it is necessary to lay down clear rules. “This is an idea we are discussing at the moment. I presented a draft version yesterday during the board meeting. We need to set clear rules,” Chabr said.

With the permission of the Technical Administration of Roadways of Prague (TSK Praha), entrepreneurs can send the application and receive the authorization straight after,” said Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr (Praha sobě).