Rising Tensions Over Sunday Trading Regulations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Canarian Association of Medium and Large Distribution Companies, commonly referred to as Asodiscan, has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding Sunday trading in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Despite earlier announcements that a meeting was scheduled for November 27, the association has yet to receive an invitation to the Trade Council, which is responsible for these critical discussions. This lack of communication has raised alarms among major retailers who feel sidelined in a matter that could greatly impact their operations.

Asodiscan represents a diverse array of prominent retailers, including well-known names such as Carrefour, El Corte Inglés, MediaMarkt, Alcampo, Ikea, Leroy Merlín, C&A, Cortefiel, and the El Mueble Shopping Centre. The association’s members are eager to participate in discussions that could reshape the retail landscape in Santa Cruz, particularly regarding the contentious issue of Sunday trading.

Impact on Local Business Dynamics

The absence of an invitation to the Trade Council has left a crucial meeting unresolved, one that seeks to balance the interests of small businesses in the city center with those of larger retail chains. Currently, small businesses benefit from a trading model that allows them to operate on Sundays and public holidays, a privilege granted by their inclusion in the Tourist Major Attraction Zone (ZGAT) of Santa Cruz. This zone, however, does not extend to larger commercial centers such as El Corte Inglés, Meridiano, or Nivaria, which are mandated to close their doors on Sundays.

In response to this disparity, larger retailers are advocating for changes to the current regulations. On May 5, they formally requested a complete copy of the administrative file concerning the ZGAT from the Santa Cruz City Council. Established in 2011, this zone is described as having an “unlimited” duration and encompasses the historic center of Santa Cruz, stretching between Anaga and Marítima avenues, Santa Cruz Rambla, Asuncionistas Avenue, and San Sebastián Street up to its intersection with Marítima Avenue. The retailers argue that the current zoning unfairly disadvantages them compared to their smaller counterparts.

City Council’s Inaction Raises Concerns

Asodiscan has reported a troubling lack of engagement from the city council regarding their request for information. This silence has prompted the association to seek assistance from the Transparency Commissioner, urging the council to fulfill its obligation to provide the requested documentation. The association’s primary objective is to either expand the existing ZGAT or establish a new zone that includes the Cabo Llanos area. They have indicated that if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results, they may be compelled to pursue legal action to ensure they can operate under the same conditions as businesses in the city center.

On September 5, Asodiscan escalated their efforts by sending a second letter to the city council, requesting acknowledgment of the administrative silence or, alternatively, the provision of the necessary documentation. Unfortunately, their request went unanswered once again, further exacerbating their frustration. The lack of response from the council has left Asodiscan feeling marginalized and unsupported in their efforts to advocate for their members.

Due to the ongoing lack of communication, Asodiscan has taken further steps by escalating their complaint to the Transparency Commissioner, asserting that the city council has exceeded the legally mandated timeframe for responding. They argue that the refusal to provide information significantly hampers their ability to advocate for their members in a matter that directly affects their commercial operations. The association is determined to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in the discussions that will shape the future of retail in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Key points

• Asodiscan has not been invited to the Trade Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• The council is responsible for discussing Sunday trading regulations.
• Small businesses benefit from Sunday trading due to their inclusion in the ZGAT.
• Major retailers are pushing for changes to allow Sunday openings.
• Asodiscan has lodged a complaint with the Transparency Commissioner.
• The ZGAT was established in 2011 and has no time limit.
• Asodiscan may consider legal action if negotiations fail.