UKip leader Nigel Farage has said Bath's independent traders would do better if the country left the European Union.
Speaking to the Bath Chronicle, Mr Farage said Bath was a nice city and it needed protecting.
The politician was in Bath on Tuesday afternoon to meet with local supporters as well as talk with voters ahead of the European election on May 22.
"I'm travelling all around Britain. It was either Bath or Bristol and we thought Bath was such a nice place. What I have noticed meeting retailers is you are still a place with a lot of independent retailers and much of the argument about Europe is every piece of employment legislation, health and safety comes from Brussels.
"If people support the current status quo and are happy with European membership and happy with open borders they must be happy to vote for the other three main parties.
"If like us they think the whole system needs to change then they should vote with us.
"I think the effect of us getting involved will make people get involved. They will get involved because they like us or because they don't."
Mr Farage visited businesses along Green Street and Walcot Street, as well as walking through the city centre to talk to people.
Mohammed Alattan, 18 from Qatar, is in Bath studying languages at the Bath Academy. He stopped Mr Farage for a photograph along Stall Street.
"I know he's famous and I wanted photo of him. If something happens in future I will like to show picture with him."
Supporter Diane Belk, joined UKIP 15 months ago. At 62 the mother-of-one said it was the first political party she had ever felt the need to join.
"I went to a talk at the Town Women's Guild about Europe and I was so shocked about what I heard. I spoke with a friend who I knew was a member and I just wanted to join.
"The main thing is they tell the truth about what's going on when things are wrong - they state the facts."
Mr Farage ended his tour at the Volunteer Rifleman's Arms on New Bond Street where he bought a pint, enjoyed a shot of Sambuca with a customer, and was interviewed by the press.
Landlord and known UKip supporter, Paul Alvin, said: "It's good they are here. We will have to see what happens going forward."
Mr Farage will be speaking at the Forum from 7.30pm on Tuesday night. The event is ticket only and has already sold out.
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