For the first time in the history of Lisbon’s book fair, tax inspectors have descended on the event – handing out fines and notices to over half the 30 sales points visited, writes Correio da Manhã.
In fact, tax officials have not dismissed the possibility that they will be back for more “checks”, says the paper.
The event, in the capital’s Parque Eduardo VII, runs till June 13 and is attracting a record number of visitors this year.
But stallholders have been dismayed by the heavy-handed approach to their already “fragilised” sector.
One of the publishers taking part told CM that book-sales have suffered dramatically with the crisis, and this has been particularly painful for small businesses.
But “the worst has passed”, Bruno Pires Pacheco, secretary general of the portuguese association of publishers and booksellers affirmed – adding that in the main his members are “very careful” to comply with the laws” and that any kind of event should expect checks from the taxman.
