Bristol traders' outcry as council demands slice of income

Amir Sufiani has described the changes as 'unfair'

Traders in Bristol have described plans by the city council to take up to 15% of their turnover as "outrageous".

The authority is running a re-tendering process for mobile traders, with a stipulation that they take a percentage of the businesses income.

Amir Sufiani, who runs Afista Sufiani in Victoria Park said: "It's unfair, they could just increase our rent."

Bristol City Council was contacted for comment but has yet to respond.

There are currently around 24 mobile traders dotted around the city.

Since December, they have been reapplying for a pitch for the next three years starting in April.

As part of the authority's current re-tendering, it has suggested taking up to 15% of traders turnover business.

Bristol City Council has said the extra revenue was needed for its parks and harbourside budget.

'Sleeping in car'

Mr Sufiani, who runs a coffee van in Victoria Park, said the fees are too high.

"Two years ago I was sleeping in my car. I used to work 100 hours a week doing deliveries, hospitality, just to save up money - applying for pitches around Bristol," he said.

"[I've] Been working really hard to get where I am now. They're aiming to get 15% of our turnover. They want a percentage of the whole takeout and that's a bit unfair."

In the last couple of days, traders appear to have been given an update on the process.

A message seen by BBC Bristol, said: "The council is currently reviewing and making changes to the tender process to provide clarity to all bidders. The deadline will be extended as a result."

Adam Streames was told in December his ground rent would be increased

Adam Streames, owner of Mi Cafe Su Cafe on the Bristol Bath Railway Path, said the terms were "completely outrageous".

"I was told in December the ground rent would be increased. Then I was informed the pitch was also being put up for tender," he said.

"Finally we were told a successful application for this tender would also be the one presenting the highest percentage figure of annual turnover they were willing to give.

"It's so very short-sighted. The council is sucking the life out of Bristol."

Last summer, in a report outlining the tendering process the authority said it "needs to maintain competitive margins to deliver revenue and value for money".

It added "the income generated will be reinvested into the city's parks and green spaces".