Ayia Napa: The schedule negatively affects tourism businesses

Concerns about the opening hours of shops in Ayia Napa are expressed by shopkeepers in the area, as the town is timidly entering the new tourist season.

Affected, in their statements, they stated that it is a very big problem for them, the fact that no final solution has been given to the impasse that exists around the issue.

As they claimed, it is a big problem for them as well as for tourism, the fact that they are now obliged to apply the schedule of 2006. That is, in order not to be reported by the Police, to close their stores from 7 pm, all days, except Wednesday which close from three, while on Sunday they do not open at all.

With the exception of some supermarkets and some large stores that "withstand" the fine, other small and medium-sized businesses other than bakeries and kiosks are closing, with the result that tourists are not properly served in a purely tourist area, the affected people said.

They noted that in the event that no definitive solution is found immediately, then an average solution must be found that allows small and medium-sized enterprises, which are located in purely tourist areas, to be able to work smoothly this summer.

They also pointed out that due to the non-strict control of the items that are entitled to trade each category of retail establishments, when they close, they receive unfair competition from other categories of companies that remain open.

According to those affected, the problem is particularly acute in businesses such as mini-markets and souvenir shops and clothing-footwear. As they explain, there are kiosks, bakeries, and even pharmacies that stay open and market products sold by businesses, which are required by current legislation to close.

"As we move into the tourist season, the problem will become more acute day by day," the affected shopkeepers repeated, calling for an end to the stalemate.

Source: Liberal