Irish holidaymakers warned they could be fined for on-street shopping in Spanish resorts

Irish tourists could face with being slapped with an on-the-spot fine for buying goods from illegal street vendors in a popular Spanish holiday destination. 

A fine of €200 will be issued to people caught buying from illegal street vendors while visiting Benidorm.

It has been confirmed that police in the popular destination on the Costa Blanca in Southeastern Spain are clamping down on illegal street vendors, known locally as ‘manteros’ or ‘top mantas’.

Fines will be issued to tourists in a bid to discourage purchases from irreputable sources.

Such street vendors typically sell counterfeit trainers, watches, sunglasses and handbags. However, you might get more than you bargained for if you buy from them, with undercover police catching out people attempting to buy the items. 

Guardia Civil recently seized several tonnes of fake products destined for street sellers from a warehouse in Alicante.