Restaurant and cafe owners fear a big catering chain could soon move into their square.
Traders in East Street Square, Brighton, recently voiced concerns about takings after they were ordered by Brighton and Hove City Council to remove outside seating.
They have now been allowed to replace the tables and chairs but must leave a large area free for the future tenant of the old Kookai store.
Traders fear their future neighbour is likely to be a major catering chain.
Romano E Taverna, who owns Al Forno Italian restaurant, said: "I have informed our councillors that East Street Square is already well served by three restaurants, one pub and one coffee shop.
It is therefore our intention to strongly object to the change of use from a retail shop to any sort of catering establishment.
"Failing this we are prepared to start a price war with any newcomers.
"We hope our stand will prevent painful mistakes by any starry-eyed operators that do not know the constraints of our seasonal location which relies on sunny summer weekends."
Monday, May 8, 2006
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