Hanoi curbs kerb culture as city clamps down on pavement vendors

Hanoi's wide boulevards and narrow lanes have long been clogged with food stalls, scooters, and crowds drinking coffee and beer. (Photo: AFP)

HANOI (VIETNAM) - The pavements of Hanoi's wide boulevards and narrow lanes have long been clogged with bustling food stalls, weaving scooters and crowds of coffee and beer drinkers sitting on low plastic stools.

But the spontaneity that charmed tourists and supported street vendors in Vietnam's capital has subsided in recent months as authorities clamp down on illegal use of footpaths.