The government of Las Tunas imposes strict time restrictions on self-employed workers and small and medium-sized enterprises (Mipymes)

The Administration Council of the municipality of Las Tunas announced new regulations this Sunday that directly affect self-employed workers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (Mipymes) in the area.

These measures, published on the Facebook page of Periódico 26 from Las Tunas, aim to regulate opening and closing hours, as well as service rates in different areas of the municipality.

Among the provisions, a maximum flat rate of 10.00 CUP per passenger is established for electric transport services operated by self-employed individuals and Mipymes.

In addition, strict schedules were established for commercial and service activities, depending on the location of the establishments.

Businesses located on Francisco Varona Street (between Lucas Ortiz and Frank País) and Francisco Vega Street (between Joaquín Agüero and Lucas Ortiz), where the city’s boulevards are situated, must operate only between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., from Monday to Sunday.

According to the Council, this measure aims to ensure order in these crowded areas.

In concentrated areas such as transportation hubs and terminals, continuous operation will be permitted.

The included areas are the Jobabo exit, the Manatí exit, the Holguín exit (Pediatric Hospital), La Caldosa, the Puerto Padre exit (Los Pinos), El Tanque, and Guevara Hospital.

However, the Council made it clear that after 11:00 p.m., the use of music that disrupts public peace will not be allowed.

The rest of the facilities and commercial establishments outside these specific areas may operate only between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

These regulations raise concerns among private workers, who believe that the restrictions on hours and prices could affect competitiveness and the ability to meet customer demand.

In the comments section, Arnoldo Alemán Cordero expressed his criticism of the new regulations, describing the idea of regulating service hours in the private sector as “ridiculous.”

According to Alemán, these measures will not only impact business revenues but also the level of tax collection on profits, sales, and personal income. He also predicted that there will be a reduction in jobs, leaving many people unemployed, especially those who rely on nightlife activities.

He also noted that the tax on labor force utilization will be affected by this decision.

Regarding the fixed fare of ten pesos for electric transport, Alemán acknowledged that it could be beneficial for customers, but criticized the authorities for forgetting that the electric vehicles were purchased in U.S. dollars, without subsidies or tax reductions from the government.

For him, this measure is destined to fail, as it does not take into account the needs of the owners or the actual operating costs.

Dori Hidalgo Hechavarría noted in the comments that the 10 peso fares for electric transportation do not take into account the actual maintenance costs of these modes of transport.

He argued that, when it comes to replacing batteries or tires, that amount is insufficient, suggesting that a fee of 20 or 30 pesos would be more appropriate to balance the operating expenses of the owners.

In recent months, various restrictive measures implemented by the Cuban government have severely impacted the private sector, limiting its growth and significantly affecting its operations.

A leaked audio from a meeting between Cuban self-employed workers and representatives of the communist regime revealed the growing frustration of the private sector regarding the recent restrictions imposed by the government.

The controversy centers around Resolution 56/2024 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade, which severely limits wholesale marketing, jeopardizing the survival of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Mipymes), non-agricultural cooperatives (CNA), and self-employed workers (TCP).

In the widely circulated material on social media, the self-employed individuals express their dissatisfaction with government measures. One participant, visibly outraged, stated: “You as the government have the obligation to solve your problems, and we have ours. But you cannot trample on us like this.”

The new regulation requires Mipymes and cooperatives to sell exclusively through state-owned companies or government-controlled distributors.

Additionally, it sets strict deadlines of 90 days to update licenses and 120 days to liquidate wholesale inventories. Noncompliance incurs severe penalties, including fines, confiscations, and the cancellation of operating licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Restrictions on Self-Employed Individuals and Mipymes in Las Tunas