The owner of a Stokes Croft restaurant claims growing problems with anti-social behaviour on Turbo Island is the main reason he has been forced to close his business. Jamaica Street Stores is closing TOMORROW (Friday, July 15) after five years and although owner/chef Charlie James says soaring energy bills and rents are a contributory factor to the sudden closure, it’s more the fact the area has become less safe.
Notorious Turbo Island, on the junction of Jamaica Street and Stokes Croft, has long been a troubled area and it was there long before Jamaica Street Stores opened opposite, but Charlie says things have worsened in recent times. He claims there have been several instances where he and his staff have been threatened and that he has ‘lost good staff’ due to it.
“Stokes Croft, albeit full of cultural charm, is a tricky spot,” says Charlie. “Turbo Island, which is on our door step, has deteriorated significantly in the last few years and there’s no denying that this has contributed towards our decision to move on.
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“While it may seem amusing to some, there are significant risks to public safety.”
Charlie says recent issues with Turbo Island have included several fires and rats in piles of rubbish. Other problems have included people defecating and urinating in the street during the day.
“The smoke from the constant fires blew through the windows so we stopped opening them. The piles of rubbish and rats are an eyesore and open drug dealing and drug use makes the area feel unsafe.
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“The area is often littered with drug paraphernalia and we often see drug users passed out on the pavement. I’ve also had to paint out graffiti tags on the front of the building about once a month.
“Violence between people on Turbo Island causes the area to feel unsafe. Last week there were three fights on different days, one resulting in someone getting tasered mid-lunch service.
“I’m no prude but I do think there’s limits to what should be tolerated before some strong action is taken. I’m aware that Turbo Island was there before the restaurant, however it’s only getting worse and my question to anyone opposing my view, would be ‘where do you draw the line?’”
As well as the problems with antisocial behaviour in the area, Charlie admits that there are other factors behind the sudden closure of Jamaica Street Stores. Rising energy bills and rents has made it untenable for a small independent restaurant to cover its costs.
He says: “There’s no doubt that the past few years have been tough for us in the hospitality industry, and while we have been bouncing back relatively well, the future is now looking impossible to navigate for our little local independent restaurant.
“The cost of goods has soared, energy is set to increase by at least 120% and rent and rate relief is about to evaporate. This means that for me and my team, we’ll have to work harder and charge more, with no financial gain for ourselves.
“These increases have forced our hand and it’s impossible to fathom how we can justify these costs moving forward. Of course we love what we do, but passion and enthusiasm don’t pay the bills.
“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in the five years that we’ve been on Stokes Croft. We’ve hosted dinners, brunches, roasts, raves, art exhibitions, album launches and served 35,000 meals to people struggling through the peak of the pandemic.
“While it’s a sad time, we are leaving with our heads held high. No one can take away what we’ve achieved, what we’ve created and the way we’ve made so many people happy.”
And Charlie warns that Jamaica Street Stores probably won’t be the only local restaurant to close as energy costs rise. He says other local business need as much support from customers as possible.
“We’ve had a great five years on Jamaica Street and we’re incredibly proud of what we created. But I don’t think we’ll be the last to go and Bristol’s world class food scene is potentially in more trouble than your smiley waiter lets on.”
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