Colombian pawn shops close doors in protest

Colombia’s compraventas (pawn shops) will close their doors for four
days to protest against the government decision to include them in measures taken to control illegal money schemes.

The government wants to prohibit the pawn shops to charge high interest rates to customers who want their goods returned.

Several pawn shops already kept their doors closed since Wednesday, but found themselves supported by the National Association of Pawnshop Owners Thursday.

According to the association, the government measures will threaten the livelihood of 70,000 Colombians working in the pawnshops.