Using various tricks, so-called “Deštníkáři” lure tourists in Prague – now the city is taking action. The City Council is responding to increasingly creative deceptive practices in public spaces.
The Prague City Council on Monday approved an amendment to the market regulations prohibiting the sale of printed materials by so-called hawkers in the city’s heritage conservation area. The measure is a response to the growing misuse of street sales by vendors who deliberately target tourists under the pretence of legitimate offers.
Particular attention is being paid to the so-called “Deštníkáři” (umbrella sellers), who, according to the city administration, are constantly developing new methods to deceive unsuspecting visitors. “These vendors are extremely creative when it comes to misleading tourists. Initially, they disguised their activities as public charity collections. After we banned this practice last year in the heritage zone and in parts of Prague 2, they began selling overpriced sightseeing tours via a tourist magazine with an attached ticket for 750 crowns,” explained Prague City Councillor for Property, Transparency and Legislation, Adam Zábranský.
Locations particularly affected by these practices include busy areas in the city centre, such as Old Town Square with its tourist bus stop and Náměstí Republiky.
According to the city, however, the new regulation is not expected to have a negative impact on established street vendors. In particular, the sale of the street magazine Nový Prostor will remain permitted. In coordination with the publisher, a total of 68 sales locations have been designated – 45 in Prague 1 and 23 in Prague 2 – where authorised vendors can continue their activities.
In the past, the YouTubers Janek Rubeš and Honza Mikulka, better known as Prague Honest Guide, have repeatedly highlighted this issue. It remains to be seen whether this measure will help to drive out the so-called “Deštníkáři” for good – or whether they will soon return with a new tactic to target tourists.
