Two laws proposed or passed by the French Assembly this week seem to be penalising consumers. To try and protect independent bookshops, mighty Amazon, FNAC et al will be prevented from offering free delivery for discounted books. It seems that in 2013 on-line sales amounted to 13% of sales. Although it has risen from 3% ten years ago is it enough of a threat to your local librairie to warrant such a ban? Consumers are already "protected" from discount activity by a legally imposed retail price, from which only 5% may be deducted.
Hotels in Paris, par contre are to be forced to increase the taxe de sejour from 1.50 euros per night to 5 euros (and up to 8 euros for luxury establishments). Hoteliers think this will damage their business and profits - and the 150 million euros raised used to improve the capital's public transport simply penalises the consumer.
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