NOT enough help is being given to small businesses, according to one cafe owner who is battling to safeguard the future of his shop.
When Hal Ali, owner of Al's Sandwich Bar in Redhill, moved to the area, he committed everything he had to his new venture.
But the businessman, who previously owned a coffee shop in Croydon for 20 years, says his dream could be destroyed after Reigate and Banstead Borough Council refused to grant him a change of use licence – meaning he can no longer serve hot food.
The devastating decision has left Mr Ali unable to afford his rent or keep up with crippling business rates, and borrowing money from friends.
"I'm applying [for the licence] again but it's going to cost me £1,800 to appeal the decision," he said.
"If they grant us a licence I can make more money; at the moment I'm behind on all my rents and rates. The council isn't helping small business people. I've been really disappointed with them, they're not doing enough to bring in, or support, traders.
"If the council is going to help businesses they should give us free rates for six months or a good discount for 12 months."
So far the sandwich shop has survived because Dabners – owners of the pet shop previously on site – have taken on the financial burden of supporting the struggling venture.
Mark Oram, one of the directors of Dabners, said he was angry and amazed when he heard the council's decision to refuse the change of use.
"We've had to put a lot of money into the shop with the rent," said the family business owner.
"I phoned the council up and they wouldn't talk to me. I was that angry; I couldn't understand it that they wouldn't change the use. They said there were too many food outlets in Redhill, but it's a bigger problem in other areas – look at Reigate."
He added that it would now take them five years to recoup the money they had put in to subsidise Al's. Had the council granted the licence, it would have taken a year, they said.
In its notice of refusal, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said not enough had been done to find a retail shop to take over the premises. It also noted that the council is already far behind its desired 80 per cent target for retail shops in the town.
Was the council right in rejecting the change of use licence, or should it be doing more to help businesses wanting to come to Redhill? E-mail editor@surreymirror.co.uk or call 01737 783873.
