Traders in the center of La Plata complained that a supermarket of Chinese origin continues to operate without municipal authorization despite having been closed several times. They warn that the situation causes direct harm to authorized businesses in the area and poses a risk to those who shop there.
The store is located on 7th Street between 63 and 64, just a few blocks from Plaza España and Plaza Rocha. It operated as a neighborhood self-service store for years, but after a change of ownership, it was extensively renovated and reopened last October, sparking heated controversy between neighbors and merchants.
According to the business owners, the business does not pay taxes and does not adhere to basic hygiene standards because it does not have official permits and does not receive health inspections. In addition, they emphasize that the lack of regulation gives them an advantage over those who comply with all legal requirements.
Since the reopening, the municipality has carried out several inspections and ordered more than ten closures due to various irregularities, including the lack of authorization from the municipality. However, they assure that the business will reopen shortly after any closure, ignoring the sanctions.
The municipal minutes would also record construction problems, missing work documents and lapses in tax and commercial matters. Given this scenario, the complainants call for more effective intervention by the local state to ensure compliance with current regulations and to protect both consumers and formal traders.
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