Hull traders question blanket DVD ban

A crackdown on illegal traders at Hull's biggest outdoor market has met with mixed reactions.

Council officials, police and security staff gathered at the popular Walton Street market from 5.30am on Wednesday to enforce a blanket ban on the sale of CDS and DVDs.

Traders were handed leaflets about the move as their arrived at the car park gates and were asked to declare what they were selling before making their way on to the site to set up their stalls.

Many people welcomed the ban. However, others questioned why the ban had been imposed on the sale of all CDs DVDs and audio visual equipment, and not counterfeit copies alone.

Stall holder Michael Young said: "There should be some kind of system in place so traders can sell original copies of CDs and DVDs.

"I have been coming here for a couple of years and sell pre-owned and original copies

"I went self-employed and have tried to build up my own business, but now it is getting taken away from me.

"We need some kind of a licence so we can sell legal copies.

"If even car-booters can't sell their old DVDs, what is going to happen?

"This is just going to become a glorified jumble sale."

One car-boot stall-holder was politely asked to remove a small amount of visual equipment from their stall.

The trader, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it is a fantastic idea to get rid of counterfeiters, but I don't see why they have to stop everyone selling original videos. That is all wrong."

According to one trader, the empty space in the centre of the car-boot area suggested the message had reached those who tend to sell counterfeit CDs and DVDs.

He said: "There are definitely fewer traders – and customers – here this morning.

"The space in the middle of the stalls is usually full of people selling CDs and things."

Yesterday, Tracey Harsley, head of Hull Citysafe crime prevention partnership, said she accepted the new ban would hit genuine traders looking to shift second-hand DVDs and CDs.

However, she said the blanket ban was the only immediate way forward to get the message across that illegal activity would not be tolerated at Hull markets.

David Bennett, group manager for asset management for the city council, said: "We are pleased to report no problems with any traders who are attempting to sell counterfeit audio visual goods.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and take action as necessary."