City market traders could face increased fees

Market traders in Bristol could face an increase in fees as councillors work to achieve an income target.

Bristol City Council will discuss plans for St Nicholas Market in Old City, which dates back to 1743.

The market hosts 63 independent traders who sell food, clothing and arts and crafts. About half of the traders have been there for more than a decade, with some for more than 20 years.

Traders will be consulted for six weeks about the proposals before any final decisions were made by councillors.

This year, the local authority plans to spend £591,000 on the market and expected to receive £646,600 of income from traders.

However, the income target was £746,000, which was likely to rise to £761,000 next year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In the Exchange Hall, the average weekly fee for a business is £177.16, while the Covered Market costs £158.61 and the Glass Arcade is £123.93.

The report, which will be discussed by councillors, said the Glass Arcade was the "most lucrative" area which drew in 75% of the market's 3.7 million visitors last year.

It stated it was "not reasonable" for traders there to be charged the least.

“There is scope to invest in the market to provide better infrastructure for the current traders, through operational improvements and more effective emergency repairs. It may also be possible to put on events and night markets.

"However, this will require additional investment which is not justifiable when income targets are not being achieved," the report said.

It added that the low fees are resulting in a "low turnover of businesses" and hosting new vendors would encourage customers to return.

Options included a flat percentage increase to all fees and applying a fee based on the turnover of food and drink traders, which would mean the council received 15% of their profits.

Bristol City Council's economy and skills policy committee will discuss the report on 9 December.

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