The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has welcomed Finance Secretary John Swinney’s budget proposals in relation to the supermarket tax for selling alcohol and tobacco.
Date:
Fri, 23 Sep 2011
Source:
SGF
SGF:
Website
SGF chief executive John Drummond said that this proposed measure, to be charged through the business rates system, "will go some way towards redressing the imbalance that has existed for years in relation to business rates".
Drummond said: "Out-of-town developments by the large supermarkets have enjoyed favourable business rates arrangements in comparison to town centre and peripheral estate locations.
"When you consider the large car-parking spaces and benefits from new road systems enjoyed by the supermarkets, with business rates per square foot much cheaper than smaller stores with limited or no car parking coupled with town centre congestion, this measure is a welcome attempt by the Scottish Government to create more of a level playing field."
The SGF, the trade association for the Scottish convenience store sector, brings together retailers throughout Scotland, including Scotmid, SPAR, the Scottish Co-operative, David Sands Ltd, KeyStore, Costcutter, Premier, Martin McColl, Day-Today’s and local independents.
Members sell a wide selection of products and services through local town centre, rural and community stores.
Scottish Government Spending Review 2011.
More retail news from Scotland.