|
(By Jacob Bush - Bond University Journalism Student)
The restrictions to parking around Skilled Park during games has left a number of local business owners frustrated because it deters customers.
Despite 16,112 rugby league fans attending last week's game, PadThai owner Peter Songsaeng said he received very few customers.
Mr Songsaeng said his regular customers would often stay away on game days because of traffic and road issues.
"The police stop customers coming in, because people walk on the other side of the road and are unable to reach us," he said.
"Local customers get sick of it because they have to explain to police that they are coming here."
Mr Songsaeng said other businesses faced the same problems.
Skilled Park have restricted parking in the area, issuing fines and towing vehicles when locals parked in restricted areas when there was an event on, he said.
Mr Songsaeng said he had to give customers a pass to allow them to park in the complex.
"We talked to Skilled Park managment and they have given us 20 passes to give to customers to allow them to park," he said.
Mr Songsaeng said the busines had been there too long to change its hours on game days.
"We have been here for five and a half years, so customers know what times we are open," he said.
However, one local business owner said they experienced an increase in sales in football seasons.
Robina Bakehouse owner Dion Waite said many fans walking to the stadium drop in for food and drinks.
"Football is good for us, but not so good for others," he said.
Mr Waite said they specifically opened on game days to take advantage of the potential extra customers walking by.
"We adjust our times for when games are on," he said.
"We don't usually open on Sunday's but last weekend there was a game on, so we extended our hours."
|