Scottish supermarkets face extra tax on selling alcohol
Plans to hike business rates for major retailers of alcohol and tobacco in Scotland could see supermarkets pay around £110 million in tax over the next three years. Finance Secretary John Swinney announced the new levy yesterday, as part of the Scottish government’s Spending Review. Swinney said the review contained “tough choices, because of the cuts from Westminster that go too far, too fast”. “We have had to restrict pay costs, reluctantly implement pensions increases on public sector staff, and maximise the income gained from asset sales,” he said. He outlined that part of the extra revenue brought in would come from a tax on major retailers who sell alcohol and tobacco. The measure was a surprise announcement, as during the last parliament a proposal to introduce a “Tesco tax” was voted down and it was not included the SNP’s manifesto. Scottish Retail Consortium director Ian Shear...