National LotteryMinister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has said he would be happy to have discussions with local retailers before legislation on the new licence for the National Lottery is finalised.
Retailers’ group RGdata sought a meeting with the Minister to discuss concerns its members would see their margins for ticket sales cut under the new arrangements. The body represents 4,000 local shops, convenience stores and supermarkets.
Mr Howlin announced this month the new licence would be awarded early next year to the winner of a bidding process that would take place in October.
RGdata director general Tara Buckley said there was “real concern” a new operator of the licence would “slash” the current 6 per cent margin paid to retailers in order to recoup the cost of the upfront payment to secure the licence. “This would have a significant impact on shops who are national lottery agents,” Ms Buckley said
