Santa Cruz Kiosks to Expand Products Under New Rules

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, currently has 35 kiosks, popularly known as "carritos" (carts), spread across the city. These traditional businesses, which mainly sell newspapers, sweets, or tobacco, have struggled to expand their offerings. This is largely due to the rise of digital media and changing customer demands, as the current city rules don't allow them to sell new products. As a result, many kiosks have disappeared from the streets because of fewer customers and, consequently, lower income.

To help revive and modernize this retail activity, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has finished writing new regulations. These rules will govern how more modern and dynamic kiosks can operate in public spaces. The new ordinance will allow them to sell a wider range of products, including souvenirs, flowers, packaged food, electronic items (like phone, camera, and computer accessories), event tickets, toys, and even capsule coffee. For coffee sales, kiosks can set up two high tables with eight stools outside, provided there's enough street space and they are for customers. Kiosks will also be able to serve as a local delivery and collection point for small packages, as long as they have adequate space inside.

Javier Rivero, the Councilor for Municipal Heritage, stated that "the new ordinance is already prepared." He added that they are now waiting for reports on its impact on gender, the economy, and urban planning. After these, it will go through legal review, the Governing Board, and then a full council meeting. Rivero hopes it can be approved starting next year, depending on other municipal departments.

Rivero noted that in preparing the new ordinance, which will replace the one from 1995, the council worked with local kiosk associations. They reached a consensus on a draft, which is now final after a public consultation period. This new regulation is designed for a 21st-century city and will also allow the council to issue new licenses for operating these businesses in public spaces – something that hasn't been possible for 30 years.

To prevent these businesses from disappearing entirely, the new ordinance removes the old requirement that operators must be city residents. It also allows kiosks to extend their opening hours for special occasions or close two days a week. They will be permitted to install shelves inside and awnings outside. While their appearance won't be uniform, they must follow specific design guidelines.

"The goal is for these businesses to be more profitable for their operators, while always keeping their unique character," Rivero explained.