19/10/2013 00:00
TW
0
By Jason Moore THE local government has given the green light for small traders to open when they like; infact they can be open 24/7 under new legislation which has recently been introduced. Even car showrooms will be open on Sunday. The move has been welcomed by the tourist industry. Sounds fantastic doesn´t it. Unfortunately, when I said local government I was talking about the Madrid local government not the Balearic government! So in Madrid, which is visited by fewer tourists than Majorca, they can have extended opening hours but in the Balearics it will be the same old story! Why can´t we follow Madrid´s example. Why can´t the Balearics introduce similar legislation? The Madrid government is taking this action to help try and revive the high street which has been hit by the recession. I sincerely hope that someone will one-day see the light and allow extending opening hours in the Balearics.

P.-S. The Palma convention centre, which opens at the end of next year, aims to attract 120'000 people a year, mostly from Britain and Germany. The centre has cost many millions of euros. There is one obvious drawback; how are thousands of people going to come to Majorca for a convention from Britain during the winter months if there are no flights? Have I spotted a flaw in the convention centre plans or are the local authorities unaware of the flight situation? Answers on a postcard please!