FURIOUS locals and businesses in a world-famous UK seaside town are facing crippling new fines of up to £1,000.
The row has exploded in, where new rules introduced by the town council have left many local businesses fearing for their future just as the busy season kicks off.
Operators say the “crushing news” has already cost them “thousands” in lost takings, and claim the council is wrecking their and summer trade.
The crackdown means ticket sellers must now operate only from designated booths, and anyone caught touting outside these spots faces an instant £100 fine.
Repeat offences could lead to £1,000 fines and even a criminal record.
The St Ives Pleasure Boat Association blasted the move, saying it threatens decades of seaside tradition.
In a furious post online, the association told CornwallLive: “In January we were hit with the news that the town council would remove touting from the gate on lifeboat corner, a tradition that has been running for decades and has been the backbone of many businesses over the years.
“With this crushing news there were lots of worried owners wondering how we were going to operate this year.”
They revealed how desperate operators tried to work with the council to find a solution but were shot down.
“With our businesses and start to the season in tatters we walked to the Guildhall with all our staff and calmly tried to explain that all these young people are out of work in this beautiful weather because of the council,” the group said.
“We made a desperate plea for some temporary licences so we could work the Easter holidays and keep operating whilst the council found a resolution.
Boat owners claim some vessels have not even been craned into the harbour this year because of the ongoing uncertainty, while others have been left sharing booths despite being separate businesses.
They warned that long-standing operations, such as the Seahorse boat which has traded for over 50 years, could now be forced to shut down.
The Easter holidays, usually a booming start to the year, have been “left in tatters,” with thousands of pounds already lost, the association said.
However, St Ives Town Council insists the changes were necessary to address health and safety concerns raised by the RNLI and other businesses.
Town clerk Louise Dwelly explained: “It's a system that's been in place for three years, we're extending it.
“We've just asked them not to trade on the gate, but to trade from a booth and have a licence. We sent them a map to choose a spot.”
She added that traders have not been stopped from operating altogether but must follow new licensing conditions to make the town safer and more professional.
“It looks to the public like we've done something terrible, but all we've said is ‘here's your licence, here's your terms and conditions, please can you trade from this spot?'” she said.
The council said a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced a few years ago to manage touting and ensure it did not interfere with lifeboat operations or public access on Wharf Road.
After complaints mounted, particularly from the RNLI about obstructions near the lifeboat gate, the council decided to tighten rules and enforce stricter licensing.
Councillor Andrew Mitchell, whose division covers the harbour, said: “No one at the town council wants any boat operators to go out of business.
“The pleasure boats and touts are part of the St Ives offer and experience, and I wish every one of them a busy season.”
He added: “I need to point out for clarification that it was not the town council who wanted the touts moved from the gate, but an insistence from the lifeboat for and safety and access reasons so I understand.”
Locals have been split over the changes, with some backing the council’s attempts to tidy up the seafront, while others say it could destroy the charm and heritage of the town.
They warned that if things do not change quickly, this could be the final season for some of the town’s beloved pleasure boats.
The St Ives Pleasure Boat Association said they feel betrayed after trying to work with the council for months, only to be met with a “my way or the highway” attitude.
Flying Eze contacted St Ives Town Council for a comment.
