By Belize Live News Staff: A growing dispute has erupted in Belmopan as the City Council notified vendors at the Belmopan Market Plaza that they cannot conduct business without an individual trade license, despite a previously accepted bulk payment arrangement.
The agreement in question, signed in 2021 with the former mayor, allowed market owner David Zabaneh to pay $30,000 per year for five years to cover trade license fees for all vendors on the property. The current administration has now declared that agreement null and void.
Zabaneh publicly criticized the move in a strongly worded social media post, writing: “Imagine getting a letter from an attorney… telling you that you cannot conduct business unless you meet their demands — despite holding a valid trade license and full legal compliance.”
He says the administration’s approach is hurting over 300 small vendors, calling it an attack on local livelihoods.
Despite the backlash, the City Council maintains that each vendor must comply individually to continue selling.
