Teens selling Christmas trees on the side of the road are forced to pack up and move after council claimed they were distracting drivers - even though they'd been using the spot for three years
- Christmas tree sellers in Auckland, New Zealand forced to relocate business
- The two business partners sold trees near a busy intersection without a permit
- Council also said the signs promoting the business were distracting to drivers
- Sophie Magasiva and Elijah Andrews used the spot for three years with no hassle
A pair of teenagers have been told to stop selling Christmas trees by the side of the road after the local council claimed their operation was distracting drivers.
Sophie Magasiva and Elijah Andrews had to shut down their operation at an intersection at Western Springs in Auckland, New Zealand because they didn't have a permit, the NZ Herald reported
The pair of small business enthusiasts have been selling at the same spot for three years, but this is the first time they've met with trouble.
Sophie Magasiva (right) and Elijah Andrews (left) had to shut down their operation at an intersection at Western Springs in Auckland, New Zealand when a local council intervened
Ms Magasiva (pictured) and Mr Andrews have been selling at the same spot for three years, but this is the first time they've met trouble
'Auckland Council came up to me and said they had a complaint about our stall and our signage is a distraction to road users,' Ms Magasiva said.
'We usually have a couple of signs but I think it's a bit extreme to say our signs were a distraction.'
The 18-year-old said she and her business partner had even moved the trees further away from the kerb for safety reasons.
She also nursed suspicion that a rival Christmas tree seller might have complained to the local council.
Auckland Council team manager for compliance response Max Wilde said the issue rested with the number of signs.
He said council staff had counted 10 signs, with one that restricted the view to oncoming traffic.
'Under the street trading rules, sellers are allowed two signs to advertise their stalls.'
Mr Wilde also said after the issue was raised with the pair they were asked if they had a licence.
On learning Ms Magasiva and Mr Andrews didn't have a permit, council told them they needed to move their operation to a private property.
He said safety was at the top of council's priority list.
Ms Magasiva (right, with Mr Andrews) said she and her business partner had even moved the trees further away from the kerb for safety reasons
On learning Ms Magasiva (pictured) and Mr Andrews didn't have a permit, council told them they needed to move their operation to a private property
Council said the two business partners could keep signs on the side of the road to promote their venture.
Mr Wilde told media council staff had offered to assist the traders if they wanted to apply for a licence.
For Ms Magasiva and Mr Andrews the whole ordeal has been one major hiccup in an otherwise successful money-making scheme.
In the past two weekends they managed to sell all their Christmas trees.
Mr Andrews said the two could work from 11am to 6pm during the week, depending on how busy the day was.
And on weekends, the 19-year-old said they would stop working until they sold out of trees
To Ms Magasiva and Mr Andrews (pictured) the whole ordeal has been one major hiccup in an otherwise successful money-making scheme
Mr Andrews said the two could work from 11am to 6pm during the week, depending on the amount of business they drummed up
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