Ban on fraudulent collections in the centre of Prague targets “umbrella men”

Prague has prepared a decree banning charity collections in the historic city center. The ban is aimed at so-called “umbrella men” who offer tours.

The ordinance prohibits the holding of charity collections in the municipal conservation area and in parts of Prague 2. Some tourism service providers try to disguise their activities as charity collections in order to avoid the regulations on trade business. The ordinance banning this type of unfair business was approved by Prague city councillors on Tuesday, but still needs to be approved by Prague city councillors and should take effect from 1 March 2025.

The capital city aims to cultivate tourism in the centre of Prague

“By introducing this decree, we are trying to protect the historic centre of Prague and its visitors from the deceptive practices of so-called “umbrella men”. They abuse public collections, which serve as a cover for unfair business. I am very pleased that the decree will now ensure the protection of tourists from these scams, which will lead to the strengthening of their confidence and the overall cultivation of tourism in Prague. The city’s reputation as a safe and trustworthy destination is crucial for us,” says Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor of Prague.

Thanks to the decree, the condition of Prague’s conservation areas will improve, especially Old Town Square and its surroundings, which are most affected by dubious collections. The new regulation also applies to the urban conservation zone in the Prague 2 district, as the abuse of public collections for the purpose of unfair tourism business has occurred specifically, for example, on Míru Square and in the vicinity of the I.P. Pavlova bus stops on Jugoslávská Street. In addition, it can be assumed that these unfair activities will move outside the conservation area.

What are the so-called “umbrella men”

“Umbrella men” are people, often foreigners, who use distinctive umbrellas to attract tourists to various services, most often sightseeing tours of the city. They are particularly common in tourist attractions such as the Old Town.

“Why do they carry umbrellas?

• They attract attention: brightly coloured umbrellas are an irresistible attraction for tourists looking for fun and interesting experiences.
• Guide tradition: the umbrella has become a sort of indispensable accessory for Prague city guides, who use it as a clear landmark for tourists.
• Protection against harsh weather: the umbrella protects against bad weather, rain, snow, or even the sun’s rays. Umbrella holders move around the streets in the open all day long.

Problems associated with “umbrella men”

• Lack of qualifications: many “umbrella men” do not have sufficient knowledge of Prague’s history and attractions, which can lead to misleading information.
• Aggressive selling: Some “umbrella men” can be very insistent and even aggressive in offering their services.
• Illegal practices: some umbrella operators violate applicable laws, especially when it comes to offering services in public spaces.

What should you know as a tourist?

• Be careful: don’t believe everything an “umbrella man” tells you. It is also generally not advisable to buy anything from street vendors; handling money, wallet, card or mobile phone can be risky.
• Ask locals or other tourists about their experiences. Also, the internet provides plenty of references on the subject of “umbrella men”.

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Source: praha.eu