Council consults on extending ‘ticket touting’ ban at Ilfracombe Harbour

Residents, harbour users and local businesses are being invited to have their say on plans to extend an order preventing ‘touting’ for services at Ilfracombe Harbour.

North Devon Council is seeking to extend the three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at the harbour, first introduced in April 2023, which the council says has been successful in supporting a fair and safe environment for both visitors and licensed boat trip operators.

It was initially brought in to address competitive ticket sales during the busy summer months, ensuring that all licensed operators have an equal opportunity to engage with customers without being affected by touting.

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If extended, the proposed PSPO will continue to restrict the soliciting of services at Ilfracombe Harbour - whether by word of mouth, leaflets, or other means - unless under the express terms of a licence or with the written permission of the harbourmaster.

The consultation opened today (Thursday, January 15) and runs for six weeks until Thursday, February 26.

Georgina Carlo-Paat, Ilfracombe Harbour Master, said: “Ilfracombe Harbour offers a fantastic variety of boat trips, from fishing excursions to dolphin watching.

“Extending the PSPO helps maintain a level playing field for all operators and ensures visitors can choose their trips freely, without pressure. We encourage everyone affected to take part in the consultation.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to view the proposals and submit their feedback, either online at https://letstalk.northdevon.gov.uk or by email to consultation@northdevon.gov.uk

People can also post their views to: North Devon Council, PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR.

Paper copies of the consultation will also be available from Monday, January 19 at the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple (Green Lanes Shopping Centre), the Ilfracombe Centre and the Amory Centre in South Molton.

All comments must be received by February 26 to be considered and the council says feedback will be considered before any decision is made on extending the PSPO.

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