Boqueria approves that all stores offer 40% of fresh product so as not to lose more neighbors

The Association of Mercat de la Boqueria merchants held an assembly last Tuesday in which 90% of the merchants voted in favor of reforming the market. That was not the only proposal approved by merchants. Small entrepreneurs have approved that, at least, 40% of the products sold in each store must be fresh so as not to lose customers in their area of ​​influence and seduce someone else than not tourists. After last August the historic Petràs mushroom position closed the blind denouncing that Boqueria, the best market considered, was oriented only to tourism; The rest of the paradistas have counterated. Some think as Petràs, but most merchants do not believe that the market should become a territory with the target on tourists in search of selfis, croquettes and juices in plastic vessels. The Boqueria merchants association opted, on Tuesday, for forcing all merchants to sell at least 40% of fresh products. In this way, everyone will be forced to have fresh products. In this way, Boqueria is obliged to meet the needs of both tourists and neighbors and maintain the essence that is fundamental for the association.Poco has transcended from the Assembly of Merchants, although most have approved to reform a market with more than 185 years of history. A reform that means changing the fiber ceiling, sponge corridors, modernize the island of fish, sinks and build a true access door through the Plaza de la Gardunya. In La Boqueria there are 178 businesses open in 4,800 square meters, 1,300 workers and 25 million visitors a year. The paradists have approved the proposal of the Barcelona City Council to carry out works that will be extended until 2027, election year. The Consistory aims to finish the market works while Rambla. In fact, many merchants ensure that with the works of the Rambla the influx of customers in the market has fallen. The Consistory promised, in October, that it will allocate 12 million to the works of Boqueria. The merchants, such as the City Council itself, ruled out the total closure of the market while the works are carried out. Boqueria is one of the main markets of the city and its existence is known since the thirteenth century. Its 178 stores make it the market in Barcelona with more establishments in the city (Sant Antoni has 54 and Santa Caterina 60).