Vendors cry foul over beachside table ban, say tourist spending taking a hit

A ban on tables and chairs outside food stalls at Hac Sa Beach is driving tourists away and eating into vendors’ earnings, according to the Market Vendors Mutual Aid Association.

The Coloane beachside strip, a summer hotspot for both locals and visitors, has long drawn crowds looking for grilled snacks and cold drinks after a day in the sun. But a recent enforcement crackdown by authorities has left stallholders scrambling and customers with nowhere to sit.

Under current rules, vendors are prohibited from placing tables and chairs outside their stalls. The measure, aimed at maintaining public order and cleanliness, has drawn sharp criticism from those on the ground who say it is backfiring.

“Tourists arrive hot and tired. They want to buy some skewers or a cold drink and take a short break. But now, without a single chair or table, who is going to buy anything?” one vendor was quoted as saying.

According to Macao Daily News, Cheang Ka Leong, an executive council member of the association, said the restrictions have significantly dampened the beachside experience. “Barbecue stalls thrive on atmosphere and convenience. Tourists enjoy sitting with friends, chatting, and savoring their food. But now, they either grab and go, or worse, walk away without buying anything at all,” he explained.

Vendors recalled that in the past, authorities permitted a moderate number of tables and chairs, allowing tourists to linger, which in turn boosted sales across beverage, snack, and barbecue stalls. That balance, they say, has now been disrupted.

Cheang is now calling on the government to reconsider the policy and adopt a more flexible approach. He suggested designating specific zones where vendors could place a limited number of tables and chairs, helping to preserve cleanliness while also accommodating tourists.

“We need to strike a balance between keeping public spaces tidy and allowing vendors to earn a living,” Cheang said.

With summer in full swing, vendors are hoping for a quick resolution, not just for their own sake, but to preserve the laid-back beachside character that draws visitors to Hac Sa in the first place.