What sort of business do you think Lewes needs to attract? As far as Lewes landlords are concerned - businesses that will pay the rent. It would be good to have more businesses that employ local people.
Would a redeveloped Phoenix area be good for the town? It’s hard to comment at the moment. We’ve had suggestions but no concrete proposals. In a way any new businesses and amenities should be nearer the main town and if all the buildings in the high street weren’t grade 2 listed, it probably would be. It would be a pity if the proposed cinema and multiplex took trade away from the existing area but we do need a cinema. We used to have two. It’s no use bewailing that, but we must have something better than the All Saints I have to keep an open mind about it all at the moment.
What do you think about the idea of pedestrianising the centre of Lewes? We have a pedestrian zone in the precinct. Why on earth would you want one in the High street? We need access to this end of town. People need to get off buses and things - we rely on passing trade.
Could you do anything to make your business greener? We already recycle and only offer bags if needed and try to encourage people to take paper ones. All our light bulbs are energy saving and so is the refrigeration system. I don’t know what else I can do.
Any expansion plans? Enlargement is impossible in this property because of the size and structure. There is the possibility of something on the distant horizon but it would be a different type of business. You have to be realistic - the tobacco trade has been in decline since 1956, although I do believe that there is always a need for the specialist goods.
Is there anything you always get asked? What’s your first name?
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