Crackdown on pushy boat tour touts extended

Ilfracombe Harbour's clampdown on pushy boat tour sellers is to continue after councillors agreed to extend a special order to stop aggressive touting.

The council first brought in a public space protection order (PSPO) six years ago after the harbour master's attempts to calm what was called "excessively competitive" behaviour failed.

Ticket-sellers had repeatedly approached visitors along Quay Road, with leaflets pushed into their hands and rival operators arguing in front of families.

The order covers the harbour and nearby streets, banning anyone from touting by speaking to the public or handing out leaflets. Anyone who ignores the rules can be fined up to £100.

A report to North Devon Council's Strategy and Resources Committee said: "The competition in the summer months is intense, with ticket-sellers becoming more assertive, and this has led to confrontation between operators in full public view.

"Although visitors subjected to such activities have not made written complaints, it is nonetheless clear that the practices have attracted public disapproval and have had a negative effect on the reputation of the harbour."

Officers described the behaviour as "unreasonable and unnecessary", especially since operators already had kiosks where they could sell tickets, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

A public consultation drew 36 responses, with 94% backing the extension until 2029.

Cllr June Williams, who used to live near the harbour, said: "This is of value because in the last three years it has worked quite well. I'm not aware of any major incidents and the traders are happy with it."

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