The stores in downtown Bucharest are almost empty. Shop owners took their merchandise and left for fear of heavy fines. There can be no more retail outlets in buildings of high seismic hazard and no shows can take place in such spaces either.
Soon enough, those who will not close their businesses will have to pay hefty fines.
The lack of a retail space to suit their needs is the only reason why some shops on the Magheru Boulevard are still open for business. But they won't stay open for long!
Local authorities have so far sent eviction orders only. The Law will soon force them to start giving fines of 50 to 70 thousand lei.
Besides shops, theatres, cinemas and libraries have been closed. 175 edifices in Bucharest are a public safety hazard and another 179 of them are topping a list of buildings of high seismic hazard.