Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) has voiced its disappointment at a number of Budgetary interventions that they feel will damage the retail industry. While pleased with the retention of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector, the increase in the Tobacco Licencing fee from €50 to €500 per year has concerned the retail industry body.
David Fitzsimons, REI CEO said “It is disappointing that instead of tackling black market illicit tobacco sales, the Government have instead penalised the legitimate and regulated tobacco seller.
The tenfold increase in the fee will damage smaller convenience store retailers who have already suffered an exponential decrease in sales.”
REI also expressed concerns over the increase in the pharmacy dispensing fee from €1.50 to €2.50, believing that it will lead to patients forgoing certain prescribed drugs and have a negative impact on patient health. In addition, the Government have extended the period that an employer must fund sick pay for an employee from 3 to 6 days.
David Fitzsimons, REI CEO has said “This quite simply is a further barrier to employment and could in effect drive absenteeism rates”.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
