Bristol leaders make changes to new fees for people using the Downs as fears addressed
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Changes will be made to the proposed new licence fees for personal trainers on the Downs addressing fears they could force small businesses to close.
Personal trainers will be able to get cover for their classes when they go on holiday or are off sick, which previously wasn’t possible.
Late last year when the licences were being considered, the original plan was to get individual operators to apply for a licence which would not be transferable. This led to concerns that trainers would not be able to get cover during sickness or holidays, badly harming their income.
An update on the proposed licences will be discussed by the Downs committee on Monday, January 12. The committee is made up of councillors from Bristol City Council as well as members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, a historic business group.
A committee report said: “The licence will be purchased by the company or sole trader who wishes to operate on the Downs. This will address the concerns that have been raised such as holiday cover or due to illness. The licence holder, upon purchasing the licence, will be able to staff its sessions and classes as required.
“The licensing scheme will also enable the Downs committee and Bristol City Council to ensure that all operators working on the Downs hold appropriate insurance and qualifications. This approach supports public safety and helps maintain fair access to the areas being used to run a business.”
According to the report, the cost of getting a licence will be £900 for classes up to 20 people and £2,600 for classes of 20 or more people. The licences also mean that personal trainers will be limited to seven specific areas around the Downs, to prevent large groups affecting other users.
It’s still unclear when exactly the new licences for personal trainers will be rolled out. At the last Downs committee meeting in November, the Downs manager Luke Mackenzie did not turn up so discussion of the fees was delayed until the January meeting.
Separately, the council is proposing to roll out park licences to personal trainers and other small businesses elsewhere in Bristol. Most of the city’s parks are managed solely by the council, with the Downs an exception having the influence of the Merchant Venturers.
Other affected businesses will include professional dog walkers, for example. The cost of licences for parks excluding the Downs will be revealed early this year. Dog walkers are expected to get a reduced rate, after a public backlash.