The City of Zakopane withdrew from plans to introduce a fresh fair fee after the violent opposition of local entrepreneurs. The traders warned that additional costs would lead to a wave of bankruptcies in 1 of the most crucial Polish tourist destinations. The decision of the authorities is temporary and a public consultation is planned.
Why would Zakopane want to introduce a fresh fee?
According to the city office data, Zakopane operates about 500 stalls and stalls, mainly localised on Lower Krupówki, square close Gubałówka, on Gubalowka summit and in the area Big Hawk. It is places with a advanced volume of tourist traffic, where the sale of souvenirs, oscypki, prepared but besides tiny gastronomy – from waffles to casseroles is conducted.
According to local authorities, this kind of economical activity brings real revenue, which the mayor argued Luke Filipovich – should besides support the city budget. Buried faces gaps in the financing of current expenditure, so it was decided to search an additional origin of revenue.
New fair fee It was meant to be 4 zł per day for each square metre of commercial space. For an average stand of 2–4 m2 this would mean the cost from 240 to 480 PLN per month, plus already paid rent, which frequently reaches up to PLN 2000 per month. In practice, this would increase operating costs even by 25%.
Opposition of merchants: ‘This is simply a blow in the smallest’
The proposal triggered an avalanche of criticism from traders. The merchants in local associations and the owners of individual sales outlets indicated that the decision of the city hit primarily the Smallest entrepreneurswho inactive operate on the limits of profitability.
It was argued that the fees are Unfair, in peculiar compared to large traders who frequently benefit from taxation exemptions or operate in the form of franchise networks. Traders have besides noted that in the summer, erstwhile the period is high, tourists are able to cover rising costs. However, beyond the season, any additional tribute may mean End of activity.
Some entrepreneurs said the fresh fee was “Drainage of pockets of tiny companies”. There were besides fears among the protesters that new rules can lead to the homogenisation of Krupówkiwhere local producers and handicrafts will vanish and large brands will take their place.
The city is retreating, but only temporarily
In consequence to protests that have intensified in fresh days, Zakopane announced its withdrawal from the thought of introducing a fair fee. This decision was officially notified on June 1, 2025. As highlighted, is temporary withdrawaland the city plans to carry out public consultation with representatives of traders.
The intent of the talks is to make compromise solutionswhich, on the 1 hand, They will guarantee the budget of the cityand on the another hand will not lead to the collapse of local trade.
Mayor Filipowicz pointed out that "the city must not quit its financial corrective action, but it wants to do so in dialog with residents". However, the City Hall did not supply a circumstantial consultation agenda or information on whether the subject would return this year.
Concerns of merchants: ‘They come back after vacation’
Despite the momentary victory, moods among entrepreneurs stay tense. Many of them think The subject will return after the vacation seasonwhen social opposition is reduced and the city budget is even more strained. We are already talking about the anticipation of introducing a "back door" charge – e.g. through fresh rates for renting space in the marketplaces.
Merchant representatives request permanent failure to plan to introduce the fair fee or hers significant reduction and dependence on location, seasonality and turnover.
There is besides a national context – akin charges are introduced or raised in many tourist cities, which raises questions about Need for national regulationwhich would defend tiny businesses from excessive operating costs.
What's next with trading in Zakopane?
The discussion of the marketplace fee fits into A broader context for managing public space and tourism in Polish cities. Zakopane is simply a peculiar case – it is 1 of the most besieged resorts, but besides a place about the strong local nature of trade. Maintaining a balance between the financial needs of the city and the interests of local entrepreneurs will require precise and well-consulted actions.
For today, 1 thing is certain – Trade fair fee in Zakopane will not enter into force soonbut the subject remains open. Final decisions may be made in autumn 2025, after the summertime period ended.
Continued here:
Buried yields under merchant pressure. fresh marketplace fee suspended after protests
