Businesses afraid of competition prevent events from bringing thousands of people to Ocean Shores because venders want to sell hot dogs, t-shirts or event related items.

The mayor had a proposal for a trial period to allow limited vending on the beach in conjunction with a special event permit. That proposal sounded pretty good and could lead to many more events that bring people and money to the economy of Ocean Shores. Ocean Shores City Council tabled the proposal.

Businesses say they (the venders) will take the money away from Ocean Shores. They need to look outside the box. Just because the people that come to these events eat a hot dog at the event doesn’t mean they won’t eat breakfast or dinner at a sit down resturant, buy other beach related items, t-shirts, goods at the shops or stay at the motels or RV parks. Businesses depend on people whether they are tourists or residents.

Do these businesses also want to prevent other new businesses from coming to Ocean Shores or Damon Pt. area? Growth builds strong economy.

Bob Balzer

Ocean Shores