Ian Davison, who owns Davison’s Ice Cream, says that the cost of renting a stall has increased by almost 40 per cent during the past three years.

In a letter to Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly, Mr Davison said: 

‘The increases to my business have been close to 40 per cent.

‘You tell me more people come to the Grandstand area, however ever-increasing rental forces traders to continually increase prices for goods and services and increased footfall does not mean increased spend.’

He added: 

‘There may be 3,000 more people walk through the Grandstand area, but if they see the price of a small ice cream is £2.50, or a pork bap is £7, they don’t buy because they feel they are being ripped off, which is quite right.

‘However it is your department that is forcing the traders into this position with your increasing rental charges.

‘You are damaging the Manx economy, by forcing traders to charge exhorbitant prices. Spectators coming to the island for TT are already being ripped off, with high travel and accommodation costs, higher fuel and food prices. How long before these people stop coming?’

A DED spokesman said:

‘The prices are in line with other sports and outdoor events that generate similar commercial opportunities and income for caterers.

‘There has been a significant increase in footfall behind the Grandstand as a direct result of the department’s promotion and marketing of the TT, and it is therefore appropriate that trade prices reflect the rising commercial opportunity for traders.

‘The department has a responsibility to maximise income from all commercial opportunities associated with the TT to reduce the public funds required to run the event.’

Alan Vincent