SHOPKEEPERS say a lack of trade means they will keep their doors closed to cruise liner visitors on Sundays this summer.
Jan and Martyn Rushton (pictured), owners of The Pioneer in the High Street, have opened their shop to Sunday cruise ship visitors for the past three years but say the cost outweighs the takings.
‘It has been so bad in previous years that we are not even going to do it this year,’ said Mrs Rushton, adding that a combination of cancelled boats and bad weather meant they were losing money, not making it.
For £25 per year, retailers can apply to the St Peter Port constables for a category K cruise ship licence.
That entitles those shops deemed suitable for visitors to open on a Sunday – but only if there is a cruise ship in.
The Rushtons think the fee should be waived.
‘It’s not the money, it is the principle. We are offering a service by opening. We need a minimum of three staff to work and are being charged as well,’ said Mrs Rushton.
The owners of the family concern were initially keen to sign up for the Sunday licence, believing it would be beneficial – but that has not been the case.
‘The majority of people who come in go on a set island tour and get dropped straight back to the port. They don’t even come into Town,’ said Mr Rushton.
He said a better idea would be if such visitors had the option of being dropped in Church Square, which would mean them walking back through Town to their embarkation point.
A spokesman for Commerce and Employment said Town traders who were licensed to open on cruise liner Sundays were encouraged to do so as it created a more vibrant visitor experience.
‘In general, the number of cruise liner foot passengers who go into St Peter Port’s centre to shop or to enjoy the attractions and places of visitor interest at least equals those who go on coach tours and in many cases exceeds.’
He said it was down to personal choice if retailers did open and the department respected that Sunday opening might not be commercially or personally viable for some.
On Saturday, Oceana paid the first of 72 cruise liner visits expected this year.
Last year there were 73 such visits and on 68 occasions, passengers came ashore – a total of 54,500 people.
Article posted on 14th April, 2009 - 2.29pm
2 Article Comments
The Sunday license system is ridiculous. It is completely unnecessary and the administrative process in running this system are a waste of taxpayers money. Shouldn’t the states be encouraging business where possible? dont they need the extra tax to fill the black hole? Businesses should be able to choose if they want to open on a Sunday or not, its a simple as that.
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Agreed Wil, ditch it.
Plus the shops dont have to open all day anyway, just 10-12 for the cruisers to get a flavour and a couple of souveneirs.
Although by experience, a lot of cruise destinations dont have anything open on a Sunday
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