You know all those American candy stores that have suddenly appeared all over Oxford Street in London?
Well they are fronts.
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-...shops-24192552
A tax scam investigation has been launched into dozens of American candy stores that are seen on famous London roads such as Oxford Street. This investigation is being carried out by Westminster Council. Concerns have been raised about the multiple candy shops on social media with videos claiming the "overpriced" stores are "dodgy".
Westminster Council is looking into a total of 30 shops across the West End for allegedly avoiding business rates amounting to at least £7.9million. After becoming concerned by the stores, which the Council said are "poor quality souvenir shops", an investigation was launched which has so far amounted in £100k worth of goods being seized.
450 vapes which exceeded nicotine allowances were also taken. Among tax offences the Council is also investigating whether the shops have:
The council admitted that enforcements against these types of stores were hard because of a variety of tactics used by shop owners. Westminster Council said that often there are complex chains or leases, sub-leases, and licences in place with the final sub-leases / licences usually being highly questionable.
They also raised concerns that the individuals occupying the properties on a day-to-day basis are also trained not to provide any information to Council officers when they visit the premises.
Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: "Anyone walking down Oxford Street is struck by the ever expanding number of US style sweet shops and poor quality souvenir outlets. They are not only an eye sore; they are a threat to the status and value of what is supposed to be the nation's premier shopping street.
"The problem is that owners of buildings are turning a blind eye to those who sublet them as it means they are not liable for business rates. That's why we have a rash of US candy stores in prestige locations.
"This needs to stop and we will be stepping up pressure on landlords to make it clear they are responsible for Oxford Street being overrun with these kinds of stores. The people selling overpriced sweets are cheating the UK taxpayer and very often swindling their customers into the bargain."
Well they are fronts.
https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-...shops-24192552
A tax scam investigation has been launched into dozens of American candy stores that are seen on famous London roads such as Oxford Street. This investigation is being carried out by Westminster Council. Concerns have been raised about the multiple candy shops on social media with videos claiming the "overpriced" stores are "dodgy".
Westminster Council is looking into a total of 30 shops across the West End for allegedly avoiding business rates amounting to at least £7.9million. After becoming concerned by the stores, which the Council said are "poor quality souvenir shops", an investigation was launched which has so far amounted in £100k worth of goods being seized.
450 vapes which exceeded nicotine allowances were also taken. Among tax offences the Council is also investigating whether the shops have:
- sold out of date food,
- sold sex novelty sweets,
- counterfeit “Wonka” bars
- and possibly breached Covid-19 opening conditions.
The council admitted that enforcements against these types of stores were hard because of a variety of tactics used by shop owners. Westminster Council said that often there are complex chains or leases, sub-leases, and licences in place with the final sub-leases / licences usually being highly questionable.
They also raised concerns that the individuals occupying the properties on a day-to-day basis are also trained not to provide any information to Council officers when they visit the premises.
Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: "Anyone walking down Oxford Street is struck by the ever expanding number of US style sweet shops and poor quality souvenir outlets. They are not only an eye sore; they are a threat to the status and value of what is supposed to be the nation's premier shopping street.
"The problem is that owners of buildings are turning a blind eye to those who sublet them as it means they are not liable for business rates. That's why we have a rash of US candy stores in prestige locations.
"This needs to stop and we will be stepping up pressure on landlords to make it clear they are responsible for Oxford Street being overrun with these kinds of stores. The people selling overpriced sweets are cheating the UK taxpayer and very often swindling their customers into the bargain."
Comment