City Roadblocks Good and Bad, Say Businesses

The security roadblocks set up this week for the National As­sembly’s opening sessions are costing some nearby eateries business, two restaurateurs complained Thursday.

Richard Gillet, the manager of L’epicurien deli shop at 100 Soth­earos Blvd, said that business was “very quiet” this week.

“I am losing money….custo­mers are afraid to come. It would be better without security,”  Gillet said.

He is also expecting a delivery of meat and cheese today and is worried it will not be allowed past security, although a shipment on Tuesday did make it through.

Another restaurant owner estimated that business had been cut in half this week.

“We cannot do anything,” said the restaurateur who refused to be identified. “I don’t know who to complain to.”

El Samneang, the chief of traffic police, said the streets would be reopened Tuesday.

Other business owners, if they have noticed the extra security, are quite happy with it.

“What security?” said Craig Martin, executive director of International Management and Investment Consultants. “I think we’re used to seeing four or five police on every corner.”

“Maybe someone who’s just arrived in Cambodia for the first time will wonder what’s going on,” Martin said. “But after a couple of weeks, you ignore that they’re there. After a few years, you forget that they’re there.”

He called the increased security a “good sign” that would not affect business.

MA Mokadden, the new general manager at British American Tobacco, has been in the city for only a few days. He said the heavy police presence does not bother him because it was similar to his previous postings in Paki­stan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“I don’t have any problem,” he said.

Related Stories

Latest News