Santa Cruz Retailers Clash Over Proposed Expansion of Sunday Trading Hours

The debate over extending business hours in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has reached a critical point, according to Diario de Avisos. At the heart of the controversy is the potential expansion of the "Large Tourist Influx Zone" (ZGAT), which highlights a clash between two different visions for the city: one favoring large retail chains and another prioritizing the survival of traditional local shops.

Santiago Sesé, president of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Chamber of Commerce, is urging both sides to move away from extreme positions. He warns that if commercial activity loses its "human scale," the city center risks becoming a desert. Sesé argues that small businesses simply cannot afford the staffing and logistical costs of staying open every Sunday. Instead, the Chamber is calling for a compromise that boosts the economy without putting local shops out of business.

This cautious approach is backed by the Zona Centro Association and the Federation of Urban Areas of the Canary Islands (Fauca). Both groups oppose changing the ZGAT, arguing there is no real evidence that consumers want it. They point out that shops under 300 square meters are already free to set their own hours, meaning any expansion of the tourist zone would primarily benefit large retailers.

For small business owners, this is about more than just opening hours—it is about a fair playing field. They argue that large retailers already have logistical and parking advantages that city-center shops cannot match. Rather than deregulating hours, Fauca and Zona Centro are calling on officials to focus on improving accessibility, parking, security, and cleanliness. Their goal is not special treatment, but a more balanced environment where local businesses can compete on equal terms.