Tobacco retail concessions go begging

Just 127 retail tobacco sales concessions were awarded in Hungary in the latest government tender, which comprised 992 in all, according to an MTI story quoting the Vilaggazdasag daily.

The National Tobacco sales Non-profit company (NDN) said 567 valid applications had been submitted in respect of the tender, the fourth such tender called since Hungary introduced a state monopoly on retail tobacco sales last year.

The successful stores are required to sign 20-year concession contracts by April 11.

Data from the tax office show 5,922 shops have a customs license for tobacco sales at present.

Vilaggazdasag said a fifth tender was likely to be called for the remaining concessions, mostly for tobacco sales in villages, where business prospects are limited by small populations.