Venice is cracking down on souvenir shops selling low-cost goods that have proliferated along the popular canals of the city over the past decade.

After stiffening penalties for misbehaving tourists last May, the city is now taking steps to restrict and regulate shopkeepers selling plastic miniature gondolas, cheap carnival masks, crudely manufactured “Murano-style” trinkets, and low-cost leather goods.

The Venice City Council unanimously approved a resolution regulating commercial activity in the popular tourist area around Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal to assure it is “compatible with the protection and enhancement needs of the city’s cultural heritage.”

The decree not only limits the categories of new store openings or transfers to be allowed in the designated area, but also regulates how existing shops display, market and light their goods.

“We needed to give a strong signal in defense of Venice and its traditions,” said Mayor Luigi Brugnaro.