Unfair competition is in nobody's interest

I respectfully point out to readers that Louis Parnis (Beverage-Consumer Rights, July 4) has misunderstood the points made by our CEO, Louis Farrugia, at the Farsons AGM.

Mr Farrugia appealed to the authorities on the need to ensure a fair playing field for the beverage market. He pointed out that there was growing evidence that some imported beverages were not paying their eco contribution tax and VAT dues.

One needs to reiterate that at no stage has Farsons complained about the increased competition from fair-playing operators. Indeed, a competitive environment is considered beneficial for the business and the economy as a whole.

The discussion here is all about the rights of legitimate trading against illegitimate trading.

Competing through foul methods is not what a healthy economy and democracy should be tolerating. It is the citizen's/consumer's right to expect that all traders pay their taxes.

Tolerating - or worse, advocating - unfair competition come what may is in nobody's interest, irrespective if viewed from a business or consumer point of view.