Bristol Bistro Owner Cites Rising Crime and CAZ Impact on Footfall

Hat Bistro owner Christina Kremmyda says the Bristol city centre is losing regular customers due to rising anti-social behavior and the effects of the Clean Air Zone.

Two break-ins occurred on Denmark Street within a week in mid-September. On September 16, a man entered Hat Bistro at 5:10 a.m. and stole cash, a laptop, a cashier drawer, and personal items. He also damaged the front door. A passer-by reported the crime to Avon and Somerset Police shortly after 6 a.m. The suspect was detained at 7:22 a.m. and later identified as Daniel Edwards, a 27-year-old from Downend. Edwards pleaded guilty to burglary on September 25 and was jailed.

Six days later, on September 22, the Smoke and Mirrors pub suffered a break-in. The owner reported that approximately £90 was taken from the till and the windows of the Grade II listed building were smashed. Kremmyda, who has operated in the area for 13 years, stated that these incidents are part of a wider pattern. She believes the Clean Air Zone, implemented to reduce pollution, has changed the commercial dynamic. "Bristol city centre used to be a delight but since the CAZ everything has changed," she said. "The city centre is keeping away people that used to support the businesses for years."

The business owner argues that the current environment deters the tourists and locals who previously sustained independent establishments. She described broken windows as a poor image for the city. "It is imperative to protect it and to protect our businesses," Kremmyda said. She noted that while the Bristol Association of Restaurants, Bars and Independents helps share safety information, individual owners still face high costs. "Without support I do not know for how long we can survive," she added.

Bristol City Council acknowledges the area is undergoing change. Councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the economy and skills committee, stated that the Clean Air Zone has improved air quality and that traffic levels are returning to pre-pandemic figures. The council is working with Avon and Somerset Police and the Bristol City Centre BID to reduce anti-social behavior through initiatives like Streetwise, which provides a visible presence in the city centre. The council is also using government funding to increase bedspaces for rough sleepers to help move people into independent living.

To support local hospitality, the West of England Combined Authority has pledged funding to pedestrianize Denmark Street. Work is scheduled to begin early next year. The project will install removable bollards to stop through-traffic while allowing maintenance and loading vehicles. The plan also includes raised crossing points, new public benches, and planters. Kremmyda supports the proposal, hoping the project will be finished before the summer so that "hospitality will thrive" in a safer environment.

The council said it is investing in physical improvements to create better public spaces. In the Broadmead area, partners are working on placemaking initiatives to celebrate local heritage and encourage footfall. Brown said the council continues to work closely with landowners and businesses to ensure the city centre remains a viable destination for residents and visitors alike.