Sunday cruise visits ‘not worth opening up for’
Tuesday 14th April 2009, 2:29PM BST.
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.
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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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