St. Petersburg authorities plan to restrict the sale of souvenirs featuring city landmarks after officials determined that many items sold to tourists are manufactured elsewhere and contain inaccuracies. Legislative Assembly deputy Dmitry Panov said the cheap merchandise damages the city's reputation through distorted depictions of famous sites, such as an abnormally shortened Admiralty spire.
Under the proposal, only locally made products or those from other Russian regions carrying a special designation would be permitted. Foreign-made souvenirs would need individual government approval before reaching store shelves. The Petersburg Diary reported that annual souvenir sales in the city exceed 1 billion rubles, making quality control a significant concern for local lawmakers seeking to protect cultural heritage.
Under the proposal, only locally made products or those from other Russian regions carrying a special designation would be permitted. Foreign-made souvenirs would need individual government approval before reaching store shelves. The Petersburg Diary reported that annual souvenir sales in the city exceed 1 billion rubles, making quality control a significant concern for local lawmakers seeking to protect cultural heritage.
