The Samoa government is to soon abolish police powers to issue permits for street vendors.
Police in Samoa can issue licenses for small business operators to allow them to sell goods on public places in town, but this is to be abolished once parliament passes the second reading of an amendment under the Police Offenses Act 1961.
The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has told parliament the aim of the amendment is to have all business matters, including the issuing of licenses, moved to the division of Inland Revenue of the Minister for Revenue.
The amendment comes after a police move last year had stopped street vendors from selling their goods in front of big and small shops in the capital Apia, unless they pay a 25 US dollar permit.
The prime minister at the time said police have more important duties to do then dealing with business.
