Retailer Omar Aldulemy, owner of Zad Foods in Townhead, Glasgow, says the second phase of the city’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) may force his store to close after business plummeted by 50%.
The second phase of Glasgow’s LEZ was introduced on 1 June.
Omar, who opened the Lister Street store two years ago, says the drop in footfall has already forced him to cut staff hours.
He told Glasgow Times: “After the LEZ was introduced business has gone down, especially on the weekend where more than 50% of my sales in the three days of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday has been lost.”
Omar said a partner in the business has resigned because “it’s too risky”.
He told the newspapaer: “I had to take a loan to pay suppliers, workers, and all the expenses. My electricity is over £2,500, £2,900 each month plus rent, plus other fixed costs. These don’t change.”
Omar added: “We are back to the beginning and it’s too hard for us. If it stays like this I don’t see how my business will continue.”
In response, a council spokesperson told Glasgow Times: “We are aware that various economic factors at national and global levels mean this is a challenging time for businesses.
“However, poor air quality presents a serious risk to public health and so the LEZ is an essential measure if Glasgow is to tackle the harmful air pollution that has dogged parts of the city centre for decades.”
