Santa Cruz Officials Navigate Business Demands for Sunday Operations

In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the dialogue surrounding the potential for large businesses to operate on Sundays is gaining momentum, particularly in the Cabo Llanos district. This discussion is crucial for local retailers who are eager to adapt to changing consumer habits and enhance their competitiveness.

Local Authorities Respond to Business Requests

Carmen Pérez, the councillor for Development, has taken a proactive stance in addressing the concerns raised by major business owners. These stakeholders are seeking access to vital documentation related to the Tourist Zone of High Affluence, which is pivotal for their attempts to secure permission for Sunday operations. Pérez’s engagement reflects the city’s commitment to fostering a supportive business environment.

In her remarks, Pérez clarified that there is no malice or hidden agenda behind the delays in processing these requests. She explained that the documentation in question dates back to 2012 and was requested by Asodiscan, the Canary Association of Medium and Large Distribution Companies. At that time, the public administration’s records were not digitized, which has resulted in a protracted process to retrieve, digitize, and catalog the necessary files. This situation underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in managing historical records efficiently.

Delays and Regulatory Framework

The request for the essential documentation was submitted in May, yet businesses have been left waiting for over five months without receiving the necessary files. Pérez assured the community that the council is diligently working to resolve the issue and aims to provide the requested documentation as soon as possible. This commitment is crucial for maintaining trust between local government and the business community.

According to the existing regulations governing the Tourist Zone of High Affluence, businesses located in the city center are permitted to operate on Sundays. However, larger retail establishments situated on the outskirts, such as Meridiano, El Corte Inglés, and Nivaria, are mandated to remain closed as they do not fall within the designated area. This regulatory framework has created a disparity that many business owners are eager to address.

Proposals and Rising Tensions Among Stakeholders

The business owners are keen to review the documentation to formulate a proposal for the upcoming Commerce Table, which is tasked with discussing the potential expansion of the Tourist Zone to encompass Cabo Llanos. Given the ongoing delays, these stakeholders have escalated their request to the Transparency Commissioner, urging the Santa Cruz City Council to expedite the delivery of the necessary files. This move highlights the urgency felt by businesses to adapt to market demands.

As discussions progress, tensions have risen among the governing factions in Santa Cruz regarding the extension of the Tourist Zone. Carlos Tarife, the Councillor for Public Services and First Deputy Mayor, has emerged as a strong advocate for the expansion, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to business operations. On the other hand, Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has cautioned against unilateral decisions, stressing the importance of achieving consensus among all stakeholders involved in the Commerce Table. He has pointed out that this topic was not included in the governing agreement with the PP, indicating the complexities of local governance.

The Commerce Table, which has faced its own set of delays, is now scheduled to convene on November 27. This meeting is anticipated to be a turning point in determining the future of Sunday openings in Santa Cruz. However, Asodiscan has voiced concerns about not being invited to participate in these crucial discussions, raising questions about the inclusivity of the decision-making process.

In response to these concerns, Carmen Pérez reiterated her commitment to transparency and inclusivity. She assured the public that the Commerce Table will proceed as planned and that no parties will be excluded from the discussions. This assurance is vital for fostering a collaborative environment where all voices can be heard and considered.

Key points

• Carmen Pérez serves as the councillor for Development in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Asodiscan has formally requested access to a 2012 file concerning the Tourist Zone of High Affluence.
• Businesses in the city center are allowed to open on Sundays, while those located on the outskirts must remain closed.
• The Commerce Table is set to meet on November 27 to deliberate on potential expansions of the Tourist Zone.
• There are rising tensions among governing factions regarding the issue of Sunday openings and their implications for local businesses.