Government is remaining silent about possible concessions such as payroll-tax relief for retailers, restaurateurs and hoteliers following a statement last week by Acting Finance Minister Alex Scott that Government was considering such a move.

President and CEO of the Phoenix Stores and chairman of the retail division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce George Grundmuller said yesterday that retailers as well as the restaurant division of the chamber had asked for payroll-tax relief similar to concessions given to hotels under the Hotel Concessions Act passed earlier this year.

He said: "Mr. Scott as well as the Finance Minister did allude to that (concessions) and that it would be forthcoming."

Mr. Grundmuller said it yet to be established when the concessions would be offered, how much relief would be offered and when such action would take effect, although he pointed out that concessions would most likely take effect during the slower "off season."

He did reiterate:"We were told that this (concessions) is coming."

In a statement issued last week, acting Finance Minister Alex Scott said that Government, in its concern for retail and hotel sectors, may in future give concessions to those areas providing they demonstrate that they are not coping with the current economic climate.

He said: "If they will be committed to keeping their staff rather than release them, then maybe the Minister will put a plan into place that will assist them. There are clearer indications of the magnitude of the impact for Bermuda. The short term impact is already with us and in many respects it represents an early coming of the seasonal `slow period'."

Finance Minister Eugene Cox did not return messages left by the The Royal Gazette yesterday.