Photos spark outrage over fine for elderly flower seller in Vilnius

Photos circulating on social media showing municipal public order officers issuing a fine to an elderly woman selling flowers in Vilnius’ V. Kudirkos Square have triggered public anger, LRT.lt reports.

The woman was issued an administrative violation notice after repeated warnings, according to Vilnius City Municipality. Authorities state the woman, known to officers, had been warned multiple times to move to a designated legal trading area but repeatedly returned to sell flowers illegally. On the day the fine was issued, she had already received a verbal warning, which she ignored.

Vilnius City Municipality emphasized that trading in public spaces is regulated by municipal rules, requiring a permit and payment of a fee. However, the city has designated 45 locations where no permit is needed for selling flowers, forest products, homegrown vegetables, fruits, berries, or antiques. These include Tymo Market, near the intersection of Algirdo and T. Ševčenkos streets, near the pavilions by the Ministry of Agriculture, and at the “Vinco Kudirkos aikštė” public transport stop.

Public order officers stated their goal is not to punish but to prevent violations through consultation and explanation of regulations. Fines are only applied when other measures fail.

Some social media users compared the situation to a nearby charity stand for Ukraine operating in the same square, arguing it was unfair to penalize the flower seller. The municipality clarified that charity events are governed by different rules—those for organizing events rather than commercial trading. Non-commercial events that do not disrupt traffic or pedestrian movement only require prior notification to the municipality.

The charity stand for Ukraine, according to the municipality, had been coordinated in accordance with established procedures.