Tuesday, August 21, 2007, #159 (1426)

Street vendors, banned from trading around Dry Bridge, protested yesterday in front of City Hall. They say they're not real businesses, and shouldn't have to pay taxes and fees to sell old dishes and knick-knacks from their homes. Antiques merchants at the nearby bazaar-and City Hall-say they're breaking the law and stealing customers from merchants who follow the rules. Do you think the street vendors should be allowed to trade at Dry Bridge?

"Dry Bridge and its vendors are one of Tbilisi's trademark sights. I totally disagree with the government; it's a bad move to destroy everything we have to show to foreigners. I hope City Hall lets them go back there-they're very poor."
Tako, accountant, 27

"I think they should have a space to sell their old things, but there shouldn't be so many that a man can't even walk by peacefully."
Zura, student, 20

"I was very sorry when I heard this news. They're people my age, and can't do anything other than trading their own stuff. They're not stealing anything, just selling what they have. Continue the protests!"
Giorgi, pensioner, 69

"They have to pay taxes like all the other vendors. Everyone has to trade honestly. People need to get used to not stealing anymore and learn how real, clean business is done."
Misha, economist, 34

"Those vendors have every right to trade at Dry Bridge. Why not? They're just earning money for food and nothing else. Everyone has a right to feed themselves. If these vendors pay taxes, what will they have left? Nothing. The government is always making unjust decisions."
Omar, pensioner, 78

"The government needs to give these people a chance. Maybe a tax break or something like that. The things the Dry Bridge vendors sell are really cheap. There's no way they can compete with the antiques merchants."
Lela, housewife, 42

"I think they should be allowed to trade there-they've been doing it since the 50s, it's almost a tradition. When someone wants to buy something old and interesting, that's where they go. It's part of Tbilisi's charm. But they should still pay taxes. This is a normal country, everyone has to, and they shouldn't get to be the exception."
Tamila, teacher, 47

"I think they should go to the spots the government gives them. Standing around there is bad for their health, and it makes the place noisy. And why shouldn't they pay taxes? Even if you sell pencils in the street, you still have to pay taxes."
Rita, business owner, 35

"I don't care about it. They should go somewhere designated for trading and pay their taxes. They're protesting but it makes no sense."
Rezi, student, 21


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