Chamber of Commerce to fight free parking law

PANAMA’S  Chamber of Commerce has vowed to file a lawsuit against a new law that requires some businesses to offer free parking, saying it is an “attempt to regulate private property.”

 The law applies to public offices, shopping malls and hospitals.

“We will let the Supreme Court decide if the measure is unconstitutional,” the group said.

The Chamber of Commerce said the law should have been discussed in greater detail with property owners who would be impacted reports La Prensa

“To address the issue of parking lots in a comprehensive manner, consensus should be reached with private enterprise and consumer protection officials,” the entity said.

The law requires those affected to offer free parking for up to three hours.

It includes any commercial parking lots or public offices where people make purchases, purchase goods or receive services.