Helsinki bans all sales in Esplanadi Park due to guideline violations, introduces stricter surveillance

The city of Helsinki has prohibited all sales in Esplanadi Park, according to an updated directive by the city administration. Throughout the summer, the park has seen a variety of items for sale including ice cream, juice, candies, jewelry, and art. Some of these sales points were permitted, but certain activities, such as the placement of tables, were not authorized.

The decision to ban all sales was taken because vendors were not adhering to the set guidelines, explains Elina Airaksinen, the team manager for area surveillance. Going forward, the city will increase surveillance in the area to enforce the new guidelines posted on the city’s website this week. Last summer, unauthorized sales were monitored in collaboration with the police, the regional administrative agency, and the tax authorities.

Airaksinen noted that vendors tend to return as soon as the inspector’s tail lights are visible, indicating a departure. In the new directive, all sales in Esplanadi Park are prohibited, except for those from fixed kiosks. Moving sales in the Senate Square are also banned henceforth.

However, products can still be sold from a bicycle, cart, or moped registered under the L1e or L2e vehicle class, without a separate permit under certain conditions. For instance, tables, chairs, or generators cannot be installed on the ground. Sales without a permit are allowed if the width of the bicycle is a maximum of 80 centimeters, and if it has a trailer attached, its width must not exceed 125 centimeters.