The Contra Costa Times reports that supervisors in Alameda County have voted unanimously to prevent stores larger than 100,000 square feet from dedicating 10 percent of shelf space to nontaxable items, such as groceries, in the county's unincorporated areas.
The vote came despite Wal-Mart's condemnation of the ordinance as "anti-competitive and anti-consumer." Wal-Mart was not mentioned by name in the legislation.
The law takes effect in 30 days. Wal-Mart has said it may challenge the ruling in court, and also may push for a county-wide referendum on the issue.
In nearby Contra Costa County, Wal-Mart gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on a similar decision by that county's supervisors. That vote is scheduled to take place on March 2.
The vote came despite Wal-Mart's condemnation of the ordinance as "anti-competitive and anti-consumer." Wal-Mart was not mentioned by name in the legislation.
The law takes effect in 30 days. Wal-Mart has said it may challenge the ruling in court, and also may push for a county-wide referendum on the issue.
In nearby Contra Costa County, Wal-Mart gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on a similar decision by that county's supervisors. That vote is scheduled to take place on March 2.
- KC's View:
- There is no question that Wal-Mart will challenge this decision one way or another. It can't afford to let such a decision stand, because it sets up a precedent that offends its corporate culture down to its very core.
