Arafo Faces Backlash Over Controversial Plan to Extend Retail Hours
Arafo faces public backlash over a controversial proposal to designate its industrial estate as a "Large Tourist Influx Zone," a move that would permit extended retail hours despite failing to meet most official criteria.
Plans to designate the Valle de Güímar and El Carretón industrial estate as a "Large Tourist Influx Zone" (ZGAT) have sparked controversy in Arafo. The proposal, which faces a public consultation today, would allow large retailers to stay open on Sundays and holidays. This has met with strong opposition from labor unions and local residents.
The legal argument for the change is under scrutiny. While regional laws allow for ZGAT status in high-traffic tourist areas, the application in Arafo relies on a clause for "special circumstances." Notably, a technical report commissioned by the City Council found that the municipality fails to meet six of the seven required criteria and did not provide a favorable recommendation.
The union Comisiones Obreras (CC.OO.) argues that the proposal focuses on commercial competition rather than actual tourist numbers. They warn that the change would harm work-life balance and threaten small local businesses, noting that sectors like restaurants and gas stations already have flexible hours. Several neighborhood associations have joined the union in opposing the plan.
Arafo’s mayor, Juan Ramón Martín, has distanced his administration from the initiative, explaining that the process began following a request from an individual to the Canary Islands government. The mayor expressed doubt that the municipality meets the necessary requirements for the designation.
The proposal’s future now rests on the results of the public consultation and a forthcoming debate in the municipal plenary session, where officials will review formal objections. Once the local government reaches a final decision, the file will be sent to the regional government, which holds the final authority to approve or reject the request.