Sinead De Búrca has understandably expressed her frustration at not being able to use the laundrette services in a tourist town. On the one hand, she is irked because this business caters only to locals, while on the other hand, other stores are willing to accept her payment.
It is critical, however, to bear in mind that businesses are run by different people operating in various sectors, who sometimes have varying perspectives. A number of businesses in such towns are predominantly seasonal, often employing more people or extending their operating hours in summer or, in some instances, completely shutting down in winter. Trades that offer more routine or daily services are often designed to serve the domestic population, which may reduce to a quarter of the summer peak population when the high season is over.
For businesses such as laundrettes which are likely to be inappropriately hot during summer, dealing with an influx of demand can be really challenging if the size of the business and equipment stock is ideally suited for the low season. It becomes even more complex as businesses must keep their regular clientele coming back to avoid them seeking alternatives.
In this context, when asked whether one is a local, as often happens in life, an affirmative response is usually the most sensible course of action. The letter writer may find this to be the case.
Sincerely,
Brian O’Brien,
Kinsale
Co Cork.