UK tourists in Spain warned over new £170 on-the-spot fine

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Spain is set to impose fines on tourists who purchase goods from unlicensed vendors in a new crackdown. Undercover police officers will be patrolling the streets of Costa Blanca, issuing penalties to unsuspecting shoppers.

The popular holiday destination is taking action against illegal street sellers, who offer everything from trainers and sunglasses to counterfeit 'designer' handbags and watches.

Tourists are often lured by the extremely low prices, but those who buy these cheap souvenirs could now find themselves £170 worse off.

Plain-clothed police will be conducting patrols throughout the city during the peak summer holiday period, and individuals caught buying from unlicensed 'manteros' will be hit with immediate fines of up to €200 (equivalent to £170), reports Birmingham Live. READ MORE: The stunning seaside destination with £2.50 pints a £60 flight from Manchester Airport These sellers are locally known in Spain as manteros or 'top mantas' because they typically display their goods on top of blankets spread out on the street.