The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) has expressed its 'disappointment' that the government did not address the issue of Employer PRSI in the Budget, saying that if it had, 'retailers would be in a position to consider increasing their workforce'. The group welcomed 'the additional discretionary spending that will flow from the changes in USC', saying that this, along with income tax reductions, will' allow consumers to enjoy some of those treats that 6 years of Austerity had denied them'.
The group also praised the retention of the 9% VAT rate, which applies to newspapers and magazines as well as tourism products. 'There is, however, serious concern that the decision to increase by 40 cent the RRP of a packet of 20 cigarettes will lead to further reductions in the overall tax take due to increased levels of “middle Ireland” electing to purchase cigarettes in any of the other EU countries, providing a financial benefit to our Spanish, Italian and Portuguese counterparts,' the group said. 'We do not expect to see the black market traders needing to increase their price points, but are concerned that legitimate traders are required by law to pay €4 per carton extra without any additional return on their investment.'
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
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