The tightening of inspections and the imposition of fines on merchants, both state and private, show the consequences of the lack of freedom and excess state control over producers. During May, inspectors from the Territorial Directorate of Matanzas imposed 619 fines for a total of 793,100 pesos, reflecting the difficulties of operating in an environment of strict regulation and state control.
Among the main violations are the failure to update mandatory digital payment methods, such as QR or Enzona, which all merchants, including legal street vendors, must possess. The requirement to have a mobile phone to carry out commercial transactions adds an additional burden to small merchants, who often lack the necessary resources to comply with these requirements.
Yanet Vázquez Fragoso, head of the group of inspectors, explained that during May, by Decree-30, 153 fines were imposed for a value of 651,500 pesos due to irregularities such as non-visible prices, non-updated blackboards, and the lack of invoices for the sold products. These sanctions underline the difficulties merchants face in complying with regulations in a system dominated by state bureaucracy.
In addition, those who did not have the necessary legal documentation for their sales were fined, in the context of a banking system that increases the use of electronic payment channels and reduces the use of cash. This process, although well-intentioned, can be unattainable for many small merchants, exacerbating tensions and the potential for violations.
Decree-45, applicable to self-employed workers, resulted in 110 fines worth 111,000 pesos due to project violations, lack of proper documentation, and various illegalities. These sanctions reflect the difficulties of individual entrepreneurs in operating under constant state supervision and control, which limits their ability to adapt and prosper in the market.
Regarding infractions related to public ornamentation and communal hygiene, fines were imposed for blocking streets and sidewalks with construction materials, as well as for the creation of illegal landfills. These sanctions, while necessary for community well-being, also reflect the lack of resources and support for small merchants trying to comply with regulations.
In addition to the fines, 189 warnings and one forced sale were carried out, highlighting the need for inspectors to have the necessary resources to detect and prevent fraud. The insistence on price surveillance of rice and other commodities, as well as price control on products such as milk, underscores state control over the market and the difficulties traders face in operating within these restrictions.
In summary, the numerous fines and sanctions imposed in May reflect the consequences of an environment of excessive state control and the lack of freedom for private producers. The need to comply with strict regulations and the lack of adequate resources make it difficult for merchants to operate, evidencing the tensions inherent in a system that prioritizes control over economic freedom.
