Planned strike action on Grand National Day could cost millions to the local economy.
The warning came as Merseyrail staff prepare to stage a fresh 24-hour walk out on April 8, the climax of this year’s Aintree festival, as part of an industrial dispute.
Discussions between the transport authority and union the RMT broke off without agreement on Monday amid plans to introduce driver-only trains from 2020.
Staff previously went on strike last week, causing widespread disruption to the local network as the entire service was halted for a three-hour period.
But Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, has warned that it may affect the city’s £9 million generated by the world’s most famous steeplechase.
He said: “We are saddened to hear that the RMT union has decided to call for strike action on April 8 – which is one of the city’s biggest days for visitors to the Grand National festival.
“To use this important date in the city’s calendar as leverage in their ongoing dispute is disappointing.
“Travel disruption of this nature, during a festival which generates approximately £9 million of economic impact to city centre businesses, isn’t playing fair for the city’s visitor economy and the many local businesses that rely on it.
“We hope that both parties involved can come to an agreement to avoid such action.”