Joanne Steel Reporting
There has been outrage from the tourist industry as the Ole Dock B&B on Albert Street, Eastern Island announced a sudden TWO HUNDRED PERCENT increase in room hire prices with immediate effect.
The following letter was put under the door of those boarding at the B&B including one of our own Journalists, by Mr. Ed Wan, the B&B Manager, on behalf of his employer a Mr H Popadopalus the owner of the Ole Dock.
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Oi Tennant
I’ve just received a renewal for the insurance for the Ole Dock B&B. Seems the bloody insurer 'ad 'eard about the two fires on Decadent Isles in the bleedin' warehouse and rub-a-dub and 'ad raised the premium by 100 percent, do wot Guvnor! I phoned ter protest but thought the bloody agent were referrin' ter the fire at Jaded. In the bleedin' confusion 'e realised there 'ave now been three fires so decided instead ter raise the premium by 200 percent. I 'ave raised the bleedin' cost o' rent accordingly and instructed Mr Wan ter make sure that 'e collects the bloody new amount forthwith. Go ave a nice cup a' tea. I don’t want ter know about any ‘special arrangements’ yer may 'ave made wiv Mr Wan, right, I just want ter receive the rent on time.
H Popadopalus - Ole Dock B&B Owner
c/o Albert Street
Eastern Island.
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The journal spoke to Mr. Wan, the manager of the B&B who had not been informed of the increase prior to the notice being sent to him for duplication to be handed to those staying at the B&B. He confirmed that the prices has been raised by Mr. Popadopalus, because of the recent spate of fires on the island and a rise in insurance premiums. Mr. Wan also confirmed that it was not only to those boarding at the B&B but he himself as the live-in B&B Manager had also been subject to the price rise.
With the recent storms and the area possibly likely to suffer other seasonal storms over the coming months, the increase in boarding costs could negatively affect tourism on the island though some may point to it making the stay here more exclusive for those that to choose to vacation on Decadent.
The Journal reached out to Mr. Popadopalus the owner of The Old Dock B&B. He claimed to have not heard of any complaints from those boarding at the B&B, and said that the increase was a reaction to the increase in premium from insurers in addition to employee wages, tax, and maintenance costs to the building.
Mr. Popadopalus said he did not want to underinsured, hence the increase stating when it was put to him that no other landlords are currently known to have increased rent said they would be in for a shock when their premium was due for renewal.
Later in the conversation, Mr. Popadopalus did say that he would research the issue and would possibly consider reviewing the rental prices at a later date though he made no promises.