Locals in Perranporth, UK, are angry after the council banned kids’ activities like hair braiding and glitter tattoos.
Many Perranporth shop owners disagree with the ban, as do locals. These seasonal businesses operate by the beach, appearing during Easter and summer. One owner called the council “pathetic.”
The council created a street trading policy after an incident that happened during the Tunes in the Dunes festival last summer. A licensed trader sold t-shirts with an offensive slogan. The council received public complaints from locals then and tried to remove the trader.
However, the trader requested the council’s street trading policy, which they did not have. Now, they have new rules and “no trading” signs.
The council will discuss concerns at a meeting at 7 pm on Monday, March 3rd. The clerk, Amanda Lash, spoke about the issue, saying the incident started the conversation. Lash stated sellers of offensive items can be removed by police.
She added that past rules prohibit selling, as well as stands and similar structures.
People commented quickly on a local Facebook page. One business owner supports the beach traders, saying they did not negatively affect the business at all. Customers talk about hair wrapping and glitter tattoos, noting it is part of the town’s holiday feel. It brings people to this nice village.
Another person wrote they felt disappointed, as one resident liked the small beach services. Kids smiled while getting their hair done and the tattoos reminded the resident of their childhood. These little services will be missed, they added.
A parent said her daughter loved hair wrapping, which she did every summer when she was younger. This ban is very disappointing, they said, adding they hope those services can still bring joy.
The policy says they want to stop street trading, which protects the town’s businesses and ensures fairness. Trading is banned on council land to protect local businesses from unfair competition. This ban maintains a strong local economy, and the council will take action against those who break this rule.
The council will check the policy regularly. The finance committee will see if it works and change it if needed. Input from locals also may alter the policy.