Street vendor in Hoi An who told customer to 'go away' had his stall closed for operating without a license

Visitors to the Japanese Covered Bridge are harassed by street vendors - Photo: BD

"Was scolded by a street vendor for asking the price"

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online on the morning of March 18, Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoi An City, said that the functional forces of Minh An Ward had cleared a street stall on Le Loi Street, after tourists complained about being scolded by the stall owner.

"After checking, this street vendor set up his stall in an unauthorized area. We cleared him out and asked him to stop selling.

The city is taking drastic measures to combat illegal street vendors and soliciting that causes trouble for tourists, bringing back peace to visitors to the old town," said Mr. Son.

Previously, a tourist came to Hoi An and reported being scolded by a street vendor on Le Loi street.

Carts and belongings of illegal street vendors were confiscated at the Minh An ward's warehouse - Photo: BD

In a status posted on a group specializing in tourism in Da Nang and Hoi An, this customer said that when he visited the fast food counter on Le Loi Street, he chose to buy french fries.

"I didn't have much money so I asked the street vendor how much a potato chip cost. Hearing that, she immediately cursed and said 30,000 VND per chip.

Because I was with another friend, I asked to buy some more grilled rice paper. Hearing that, the street vendor woman immediately started cursing.

This person made vulgar comparisons and told us five times to "go away, you rude girls". Then this person even burned paper" - the tourist complained.

This status received many comments, many of whom doubted that this "exposure" was unclear and intentionally provided inaccurate information.

In a status by a person claiming to be the son of a street stall owner, this person said that the scolding was not real.

This person asked the customer who posted the information to correct and apologize. Below, many comments also said that they had visited this counter many times and found "the owner very gentle".

Hoi An resolutely regulates street vendors

According to Chairman of Minh An Ward People's Committee Vo Dang Phong, upon receiving the request from city leaders, the ward sent forces to inspect.

"When asked if this street vendor had cursed at tourists, he said he didn't remember or know what happened. It's not clear whether it was right or wrong, but we have closed down this stall because it was operating without a license," said Mr. Phong.

The situation of illegal street vendors, deliberately soliciting and "ripping off" tourists is complicated on Hoi An walking street.

Although the authorities have tried to handle the situation, it is easy to see customers being surrounded and blocked in front of them to entice them to buy goods.

Street vendors gather at Hoi An walking street - Photo: BD

Currently, Hoi An only allows a small number of street vendors in the old town. These locations are strictly managed and require strict compliance with regulations.

However, according to Hoi An leaders, since the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of people from other localities have come to Hoi An to trade, deliberately avoiding inspection by authorities, causing trouble for tourists.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chu-hang-rong-o-hoi-an-chui-khach-bien-di-da-bi-dep-quay-vi-hoat-dong-khong-phep-20240318092810817.htm