The leader of BCP Council has renewed calls for a visitor levy, arguing tourists should contribute more towards the cost of keeping Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch clean and safe during the busy summer months.
The proposal comes after disorder on Bournemouth Beach last week, where groups of युवs were involved in anti-social behaviour, adding further pressure on already stretched local services.
Council leader Millie Earl said local taxpayers should not be left footing the bill for the huge seasonal impact tourism places on the area each year.
Every summer, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the coastline — bringing welcome business to the area, but also leaving behind huge volumes of litter, increased waste collection costs, added pressure on public toilets and extra demand on emergency services, police and seafront teams.
Many residents argue it is unfair that local people pay through council tax to clean beaches, clear rubbish and manage the consequences of peak-season tourism while visitors contribute very little directly.
A visitor levy — often described as a tourist tax — would add a small charge to overnight stays, with money raised going back into managing the seafront, improving facilities and helping fund the additional services needed during summer.
Supporters say it is a fair and sensible solution, especially given the scale of litter left behind on busy beach days and the significant strain placed on emergency responders dealing with anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related incidents and safety callouts.
BCP Council is also calling for tougher parking fines to tackle dangerous parking seen across the area in summer, as well as more central government funding for Dorset Police to cope with the seasonal surge in visitors.
The proposal is likely to divide opinion, particularly within the tourism and hospitality industry, but many locals will feel that if visitors enjoy the beaches and seafront, they should also help pay towards the cost of maintaining them.
