Music

France to Tax Smartphones?

Alan Cross 0 Comments

Uh-oh. From Music Week:

The French culture minister has said that a proposed 1% tax on smartphones and similar technology could go towards helping music retailers – as 26 Virgin Megastore shops were closed in the country a fortnight ago following bankruptcy filings in January.

When discussing the new potential duty on products that may include tablets, e-readers and computers, Aurelie Filippetti said that the fee “will be paid at the time of purchase” and would be “painless for the consumer”.

“It could lead to a fund that would finance record stores in difficulty, help the music industry or photographers,” she added.

Wanna bet someone will table this real soon in Canada?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38011 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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