With the start of the San Marcos National Fair just around the corner, the Municipality is sharpening its strategy to maintain order among street vendors. Israel Díaz García, Director of Markets, Parking, and Commercial Areas, warned that there will be constant operations to verify that vendors have valid permits, that assigned businesses are respected, and that the sale of prohibited items is prevented.
“We will be very vigilant about obscene stuffed animals and toys. Although some may come from outside and don’t know it, they cannot display them. If they are going to sell them, they should store them and hand them in a black bag,” he stated firmly.
Currently, the municipality has approximately 220 registered street vendors, 90% of whom are local. The rest, outsiders, usually come from states such as Puebla or the State of Mexico, and some operate under schemes inherited from previous administrations. On the other hand, the spaces managed by the board of directors have a different proportion: an estimated 40% are from outside the city, while the remaining 60% are from Aguascalientes.
Surveillance will not be limited to merchants. Díaz García assured that temporary parking lots located within the fairgrounds—defined as a five-block radius around San Marcos Island—will also be inspected to prevent abuses such as overcrowding or irregular charges. Last year, 15 reports of these practices were filed, but no closures were made.
Another front will be the fight against unfair competition. “We have received complaints that people are not entering the parking lots because the “come-come” vendors are taking over the public right of way and charging without permission. This is not allowed and must be reported to 072 so that the traffic department can take action,” he stated.
Díaz García also recommended that parking users ensure there is a visible information sign with the name of the facility, rates, hours, insurance number, and emergency contact information. He warned that partial thefts are not covered by insurance if the user does not previously report leaving valuables inside the vehicle.
“Users should also be careful. Take photos, report their location, or even leave valuables at the booth. If they don’t report it, the insurance company won’t be responsible,” he said.
Finally, he emphasized that the priority is to maintain a safe, family-friendly, and orderly fair. “We want it to be an organized fair, with security, and for everyone (vendors, users, and authorities) to do their part,” he concluded.
Source: oem
