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The decision to ban Christmas hawkers on Dublin’s Henry Street this year has been criticized by local officials.
Dublin City Council said traditional seasonal trading will not continue this year due to Covid-19 security concerns.
“Christmas merchants are a big part of the festive season in Dublin and we realize that many people will be disappointed. So will we, but safety must come first,” the council said in a statement.
However, Sinn Féin Councilor Janice Boylan said the city council has been trying to put an end to street trading for years before the pandemic.
He noted that the decision will mean that street vendors will be banned even if the stores reopen, saying this would be “inconsistent and unfair.”
“Street vendors are just as capable of making it safe to shop on the street as they are in commercial premises,” he said.
“If restrictions are eased and it is considered safe to sit and eat outside a cafeteria, why wouldn’t it be so safe to buy products from a street stall?”
In its statement, the council said it expected to see merchants on Henry Street and Mary Street in 2021.
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