Old Arbat bids farewell to street vendors; for many years they have been a part of the street and now they have to leave the place. The Moscow authorities plan to close almost all street outlets except for book shops. On 8 of August street artists, who sell paintings in Old Arbat, will be told to shut down their business, too.
      
      Soon matreshkas, ushankas and other elements of Russian and Soviet culture, very popular with foreign tourists, will be sold only in official souvenir shops.
      
      The Moscow authorities believe street vendors take away from the historical look of Old Arbat beloved by many. Old Arbat Street, which dates back to 14-15 cc., will undergo reconstruction next year.
      
      source:
      Russian Business