Stores in Europe charge customers to take pictures without buying anything

Spain A grocery store in Barcelona has introduced a rule to charge 5 euros to customers who come just to check in without buying anything.

Opened in 1898, Queviures Múrria is one of Barcelona's most famous Modernist establishments, selling high-end products such as wine, meat and artisan cheese.

The facade of a century-old luxury food store in Barcelona. Photo: Ledl

The store retains many antique details with a prominent facade, mahogany furniture, a cashier counter that has remained intact since the 19th century, and an advertising sign from the 1920s. Foreign visitors to Barcelona often come to the Queviures Múrria store to check in, but not many people stay to buy, affecting customers with real shopping needs.

The store staff used to half-joke and half-seriously tell people who came here to "live virtual" that they would charge a fee for taking photos. Now the joke has become real. The store has put up a sign saying that customers who just check-in without buying anything will have to pay 5 euros.

Store manager Toni Merino said she has not collected any money from customers since the regulation was introduced, but the number of customers coming just to take pictures has dropped sharply.

Barcelona has introduced a number of measures to combat overtourism in recent years. Earlier this year, the Catalan capital announced an early increase in its tourist tax, which will vary by type of accommodation. The cost of a five-star hotel stay will rise from 5.25 euros to 6.75 euros per night by 2024.

In addition, the Barcelona City Council increased the surcharge for each night of stay for tourists. This amount increased from 1.75 euros to 2.75 euros, effective from April 1, and will increase to 3.25 euros from April 1 next year.

Bich Phuong (According to Independent )

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