TOURISM chiefs fear that tens of thousands of anti-racism protesters will hit trade on the seafront just after businesses have reopened.

Black Lives Matter is set to stage another protest at Madeira Drive in Brighton tomorrow.

It is estimated more than 10,000 people attended the last protest, held last month, to raise their concerns over racism in society.

But now there are fears from some businesses that having so many protesters on the seafront will hit businesses there hard, as they have only just reopened.

The Argus:

Thousands joined a Black Lives Matter demonstration in June

Brighton Palace Pier operations manager Remy Hardecoeur is among those who have expressed fears to The Argus.

He said: “Last weekend we didn’t have many customers on the pier because the weather was so bad when we reopened after the coronavirus shutdown.

Read more on The Argus: Picture gallery reveals scale of Black Lives Matter protest in Brighton (June 2020)

“This weekend though it is going to be sunny, we will have perfect conditions. We were not open for the last protest but now we will be open.

“We have no option to close, we only just reopened and all our staff are no longer on furlough.

The Argus:

Protesters previously gathered on the seafront

“Last time there was a protest there were barely any police officers around.

“There were 10,000 people in front of the pier and there was zero protection and this is what we are worried about.

“It took more than three hours between 11am and 3pm for the crowd to fully go past the pier last time.

“That is the peak visiting time for us.”

Read more on The Argus: Black Lives Matter demonstrators set to protest in Brighton again

Mr Hardecoeur said the pier has supported Black Lives Matter protests, lighting up the seafront landmark in support of demonstrations and showing their support.

But he believes the protest will do harm to business on the pier and on the seafront if thousands turn up once again.

The Argus:

Thousands took part in the protest

He said: “Maybe the council, police or organisers should look to start the protest somewhere else.

“I don’t think it is fair for it to be here. It is so important for the businesses. We have been closed for three months, so this is everything.

Read more on The Argus: Council leader 'angry' over footage showing suspect being held on the ground by police in Brighton

“We need trade to pick up and it’s our first weekend with some good weather.

“Everything is operating on about half of the trade, so we have had that cut off, so if we miss Saturday trade things are not going to go well.

“Many businesses in the area fear we won’t be able to trade if there are similar numbers of protesters again. They are really struggling.”

The Argus:

Protesters will return to the seafront tomorrow

Mr Hardecoeur also raised concerns about social distancing and litter on the beach and fears a large protest could put off families seeking a day out.

He added: “At the end of the last protest there was plastic all over the beach and people were drinking, but none of them will be customers.

“I’m not sure how people are supposed to keep apart and observe social distancing if there are thousands of people on the seafront.”

Read more on The Argus: Black Lives Matter protesters in Brighton

He questioned why Black Lives Matter campaigners are returning to the streets in Brighton and Hove after such a long absence since the last protest.

Black Lives Matter marches will take place across the UK on Saturday.

The movement was originally sparked by the death of George Floyd on May 25 in the city of Minneapolis in the United States.

Mr Floyd had been in the custody of police officers who were seen restraining him on the floor as he told them he could not breathe.

He was held for eight minutes and lost consciousness, and died.

The Argus:

Campaigners want to raise awareness of racism in society

His death was the latest death of a black person in police custody in the United States and caused outrage. Protests spread across the world, with people from black and minority ethnic (Bame) backgrounds highlighting the ongoing racism they face.

This weekend’s march will commemorate Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old ambulance medic who was shot dead by police in Louisville, Kentucky in March.